Ashley Cole 'buys LA home in bid to win back Cheryl Cole'

Ashley Cole has reportedly bought a £2 million house in Los Angeles in a bid to help him reunite with ex-wife Cheryl Cole.

The Chelsea footballer splashed out on the property after house-hunting during his recent trip to the city, The Mirror claims.

"Ashley's over the moon that the offer has gone through," a source told the paper. "He sees it as a chance to make a new start with Cheryl, in a new country, where they can be together and away from daily reminders of his shady past behaviour in the UK."

Set in a gated community, the private property is said to boast neighbours including Mel Gibson and Demi Moore.

Ashley is apparently not expected to make an appearance at Cheryl's 28th birthday party in London tonight, at the alleged request of the 'Promise This' star's team.

"Ashley's desperate to win her affections and start over," a source added. "He's convinced the American home will be the key. He's hoping they will be an item by the time he starts the new football season."

Speculation that the couple, who divorced last year, could reunite has been rife since Cole was axed from The X Factor USA in May.

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Watch Cheryl Cole talking to Piers Morgan about her split from Ashley Cole last year below: