Ashley Cole is reportedly hoping that his marriage to X factor’s Cheryl Cole can be saved.

The People report that although Cheryl announced their separation last month, Ashley has offered to go to marriage counselling if there is a chance they can reconcile.

“He is saying that until the day Cheryl serves divorce papers on him, the marriage is there to be saved,” a source said. “Ashley hasn’t been put off by the way Cheryl behaved at their last meeting.

“He is thinking that because she hasn’t got lawyers involved yet, she will back down and welcome him back. He’s being pretty deluded, though – there’s no chance.”

The insider added that Cole’s broken ankle has given him time to think about his future.

“The injury has given Ashley a lot of time to think about things,” the source explained. “He’s become more and more upbeat lately about being able to turn things round.”