LOVESTRUCK Ashley Cole has begged ex-wife Cheryl to “come away with me” and start a new life in Spain.

The Chelsea star believes he has “one last move” in him and has targeted Real Madrid or European champions Barcelona as his destination – as long as he can persuade the Girls Aloud babe to go and live abroad with him.

The pair first got together in 2004, married in 2006 and divorced in 2010 – but friends insist that their love has never dimmed.

Cheryl, 27, is “hugely intrigued” by the proposal, as it would end the “circus” that is her life in the UK and help her get over her X Factor disaster.

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A source close to the footballer, 30, said: “Ashley has told friends he sees his future abroad and he wants to persuade Cheryl to come with him.

“It all boils down to what Cheryl wants, but the early signs are she would be up for the idea.”

Cheryl is taking a break from showbiz, but she feels when she is ready to return living away from Britain will not be a problem.

However a pal said the main attraction of going abroad would be the anonymity she could enjoy.

The friend said: “She’s found living in the UK to be fraught especially with so much ‘negativity’ towards her now.

“But abroad, she could lead her life at her own pace. That’s appealing to say the least.”

England left-back Ashley is currently half way through a four-year, £120,000-a-week contract which he signed in September 2009.

He would only expect a “small” pay rise to £150,000 a week at Real Madrid – but his take-home pay would be substantially higher as Spanish clubs can set up foreign players as “company executives” with a preferential 23% tax rate for the first six years.

Also stars pay a 50% top tax rate in the UK, and only 27% in Spain – so he could save tens of thousands of pounds every week.

The Mirror can also exclusively reveal that Ashley is buying new rings for him and Cheryl – to signify “a new start” in their relationship.

A friend said: “It’s a lovely gesture that he thinks she will really appreciate. A lot has happened over the last few years which they are determined to draw a line under.”

Rings are particularly symbolic for the couple who have fought for their love against the odds.

When Cheryl forgave Ashley after he cheated with Aimee Walton, she defiantly flashed her wedding ring on Twitter. Ashley was snapped wearing his wedding band before flying to LA.

Ashley has also been encouraged by his mother Sue backing his and Cheryl’s reunion, telling friends: “I’m looking forward to having my daughter-in-law back.”

A source said: “Sue consoled her broken son after Cheryl left him and was very unhappy at the time. But she’s embraced the idea of the two of them getting back together.

“She knows Cheryl was good for Ashley and has nothing but nice things to say about her because she makes him happy and is the most important thing in Ash’s life bar his football.”

However Cheryl’s friends and family have been less supportive, urging her not to get back together with her former husband.

Yesterday, Ashley was infuriated by reports that he was “cosying up” to a woman in LA after she was photographed with her arms around his shoulders at Hollywood’s Colony Club.

Distraught that it might affect Cheryl’s attitude, he changed his BlackBerry Messenger status to read: “F*** you ….You f****** p*****.”

A friend said: “Ashley is so excited to be reunited with Cheryl when he is back from LA and his holiday with the boys.

“Yet even over there, everyone wants to paint him as the bad guy. He’s not on the look-out for any holiday romance or anything.

“The plan is to go official with their romance after the summer. He has made mistakes in the past, but this is a fun trip with the lads.” Cheryl, meanwhile, is keeping a low profile after being sacked from US X Factor last month and is said to be eagerly awaiting Ashley’s return.

However she broke her silence this week, joking that her feet do not miss the glam lifestyle.

She said: “I have had the time that I have not had in so long to just chill with my loved ones and do normal things.

“It feels long overdue and sooooo good – even my feet are happy to not have to wear high heels.”

On her website she also thanked fans for their concern. She said: “I feel your presence and strength always, and no matter what decision I make or what it is I’m facing, I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know.

“It also breaks my heart a little when I hear that some of you worry about me and need to know that I am OK, so I want to PROMISE you that I am absolutely fine and more than OK.”