Congratulations are in order for Ashley Cole, who is reportedly expecting his first child with girlfriend Sharon Canu. The former England player, who is currently playing for AS Roma, is said to be over-the-moon about becoming a father.
Ashley met Sharon while playing for the Italian football team earlier this year, and the pair were first spotted out together at a nightclub in June. The brunette beauty is said to be "ecstatic" about her pregnancy, and is believed to be due in March.
Ashley Cole is reportedly expecting a baby with girlfriend Sharon Canu
The news that Italian model Sharon is currently six-months pregnant was confirmed by her grandfather Mr Buzzelli. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, he said: "Ashley is very happy. He's a good guy - and my granddaughter is a beauty."
Another source added that Ashley was particularly thrilled after discovering they were expecting a baby boy.
"Ashley's over the moon, too," the source said. "He couldn't wait to find out the baby's sex and he's chuffed that it's a boy. Sharon's sweet and from a normal Italian family. His friends and family love her."
Ashley's ex-wife Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is said to be aware of the news
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who was married to the footballer for four-years before filing for divorce in 2010, is said to have been informed of the news but not by Ashley. The Fight for this Love singer has been open about the breakdown of her marriage to Ashley, recently telling InStyle that she "coped in public and crumbled in private".
The X Factor judge has since found love again with husband Jean-Bernard, and has also discussed the possibility of starting a family, saying that becoming a mum will be "something that happens naturally".
"I don't think it's a decision you make," she told Mail Online. "I'm just going with the flow. Whatever Mother Nature gives us, whatever is going to happen..."