Separated couple Cheryl and Ashley Cole have been struggling with the decision of who gets custody of their two dogs now that they have split.

The pair are both reportedly desperate to take on full time care of the two chihuahuas Buster, four, and Coco, three and in a bid to keep the peace, Cheryl is said to have agreed to let them spend a few days with ‘Daddy’ when he returns to the UK this week.

A source told The Mirror: “The dogs mean the world to both Cheryl and Ashley.

“Cheryl, in particular, is attached to them and, in the place of children, would do anything for Buster and Coco. She doesn’t want to lose them.

“They want to sort this out as amicably as possible. So, to keep the peace, Cheryl is allowing Ashley to spend a few days with them.

“But she’s not willing to drop them off in person – it’s simply too soon.

“Instead, Ashley has arranged for a car to pick them up and take them to his makeshift apartment in London.

“In effect, they’ve negotiated an ad hoc custody agreement. Cheryl won’t stop Ashley seeing the chihuahuas, but long term she wants them with her.”