Ashley Cole hooks up with Jay-Z

Posted Monday, May 02, 2011 by thesun.co.uk

Ashley Cole hooks up with Jay-Z
In talks ... Ashley Cole and Jay-Z

ASHLEY COLE is in talks with JAY-Z to learn how to tackle the music business.

But there won't be any JOHN BARNES-style raps - Ash wants to work behind the scenes, thankfully, not in front of the mic.

The pair and their teams of advisers have been in regular contact recently to discuss ways they could work together.

And it's not just Chelsea defender Ashley who is keen to explore business ventures, Jay also wants to add football to his list of investments.

A source said: "Ash is a big hip-hop fan and is mates with rappers like TINCHY STRYDER so it's no surprise that he wants to work with Jay-Z.

"After spending years married to CHERYL COLE he knows a bit about the business too. He's still got a good few years playing ahead of him but is looking ahead to what he'll do when he leaves the game.

The pair first met at a gig in 2009 and have kept in touch since. Jay is a huge sports fan and owns a share of basketball team the New Jersey Nets. He knows how big soccer is and that there is money to be made.

The rapper will need a better understanding of the game than most Americans, mind.

Jay-Z, founder of entertainment empire Roc Nation, and his right-hand man JAY BROWN have been increasingly involved in the UK music scene recently.

Earlier this year they signed a deal with the Three Six Zero group - who look after such acts as CALVIN HARRIS and HURTS - which will help Roc Nation launch artists in Europe.

That means Ashley would have managers and industry experts ready if he decides to launch a label with the rap mogul.

Last year the England player admitted he was keen to get involved in signing music artists when he retires from playing.

He said: "There are a few people I've spoken to including other players who are involved in music.

"I love TINIE TEMPAH, some 50 CENT, EMINEM and I like meeting guys like Tinchy. So it's something I'd like to do when I'm finished playing. I hope so."

Wannabe singer DIDIER DROGBA could be the first one hassling him for a deal.