LA Galaxy want Ashley Cole to stay amid reported Birmingham interest

LA Galaxy coach Curt Onalfo has told Sky Sports News that he wants Ashley Cole to remain with the club.

Cole, 36, has been linked with a return to England with Birmingham City, whose manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed an interest.

But Onalfo said the former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left-back remains in his plans.

"He is a really important part of our team," Onalfo said. "Ashley brings a level of experience, he's our oldest player but he often looks like our youngest.

"He has such a great way about him. He's certainly a player that's in my plans and I want him to stay here obviously."

Onalfo also hinted at an interest in free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying he fits the bill of the kind of player the club would sign.

The veteran striker is recovering from a serious knee injury at Manchester United, where he could be offered a new contract.

"We're the Galaxy and the DNA of our team is to always attract world-class players," Onalfo said.

"At the same time we're developing from within but we have to compliment them with world-class players so we're always looking to enhance our team.

"What I will say is that we know he [Ibrahimovic] is world class."