The most unlikely transfer rumour of the whole summer

Transfer windows often throw up a few bizarre rumours, and evidently this summer is no different.

The Metro reported last night that Manchester United are eyeing Ashley Cole to solve their left-back 'dilemma'.

But it's just not going to happen. For multiple reasons. And it's worth remembering United's need for a new left-back is an ideal rather than a necessity so long as Patrice Evra remains fit.

Cole is hated by most of the United support, as a rival who has jousted with them for the best part of the last decade with Arsenal and then Chelsea.

While he has just one year left on his contract, which has prompted reports, he appears happy at Chelsea and has given no indication of wanting to leave.

Ryan Bertrand is a promising prospect at Stamford Bridge, but whether he is ready to command a starting spot week in week out just yet is unclear, and Chelsea have no desire to let their first choice left-back go to a title rival, and then hunt around in the transfer market for a replacement at a time when they are busy looking for a right-back, a right-winger, and a striker.

Most poignant of all, there is the 'choc-ice' fiasco to remember. The prospect of Cole teaming up with Rio Ferdinand at present looks unlikely at best, and even though Cole and Rooney are great mates, we can't see it happening.

So this one will hit a dead end, and we'd estimate it as the most unlikely transfer rumour of the summer.

There have been a few dodgy ones, including 'Samir Nasri back to Arsenal' also courtesy of the Metro, and 'Andy Carroll to AC Milan' - which to be fair was the result of genuine interest from Silvio Berlusconi's son.

What do you think of this one? Let us know the most unlikely transfer rumour you have heard this summer...