Ashley Cole could still have a future at Derby County despite the club announcing that he hadn't been offered a new deal yesterday.

The Rams revealed their released list, with the 38-year-old left-back one of the several players who appeared to be moving on.

However, Derbyshire Live reporter Steve Nicholson suggested that the decision was down to the England legend and that a new contract may be agreed if Cole performs a u-turn and wants to play on for another year.

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"The wording in the club’s retained list regarding Ashley Cole was ‘not currently offered new terms’.

"Frank Lampard said he would like Ashley to stay on for next season but added that the decision was very much down to the player, who is 38. There would seem to be no rush on this one."

Cole joined the Rams on a short-term deal in January and ended up playing 11 times for the side in the run-in, which included the full game in the play-off final as Derby lost to Aston Villa at Wembley.

The Verdict

It seemed after yesterday's announcement that Cole was retiring and whilst that could still be the case, this update indicates he still hasn't made his mind up yet.

From Derby's perspective, Lampard would want his former Chelsea teammate to return because he has top level experience and also did well on the whole when he was called upon.

Ultimately, it's going to be down to the player and it should become clearer in the coming weeks.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.