Former England defender Ashley Cole signs with LA Galaxy

Ashley Cole will link up with former England teammate Steven Gerrard after the Los Angeles Galaxy announced they have signed the defender subject to international clearance.

Cole had his contract with Serie A giants Roma terminated by mutual consent and a move to the MLS was widely anticipated, with the Galaxy confirming they had snapped up the left-back on Wednesday.

The club's head coach and general manager Bruce Arena said: "Ashley is one of the world's most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career.

"He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season."

The announcement comes a day after confirmation that LA Galaxy also signed Belgian center back Jelle van Damme.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Galaxy, where Cole will also play alongside Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane and former Leeds winger Robbie Rogers.

Cole made over 500 club appearances during his time with Arsenal and Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, while he also tasted Champions League glory with the Blues in 2011-12.

The 35-year-old is the sixth-highest capped Englishman, with 107 appearances to his name. Steven Gerrard is third on the list with 114 while Cole will come up against New York City's Frank Lampard, a former Chelsea team-mate who retired from England duty with 106 caps.

Cole left Chelsea at the end of the 2013-14 season to move to Roma but made just 16 appearances after joining on a two-year contract.

He had not featured since a 0-0 league draw at Chievo in March last year and his release was confirmed last week.