Ashley Cole takes his Los Angeles party poolside as new friends are revealed to be British university students

By Mail Online Reporter

Nice view: Ashley Cole can't take his eyes off new friend Melissa Naik as they relax poolside


Ashley Cole has been making the most of his single status by partying with two English students, it has been revealed.

The two pretty brunettes photographed spending time with the footballer over the past couple of days have been identified as university students Melissa Naik and Ellie Hartley, both 20.

Yesterday, Ashley, whose estranged wife Cheryl is currently battling deadly disease malaria, couldn't take his eyes of Miss Naik, who showed off her stunning figure in a thong bikini as the pair relaxed by the Mondrian Hotel pool with friends.


Stunning figure: The 20-year-old student showed off her amazing figure in a black thong bikini as her mother confirmed that she and Cole were just friends


The trio have also been making the most of the Los Angeles nightlife by exploring various clubs and bars.

Yesterday Miss Naik, who had teased her hair into a voluminous style, wore gold sandals and gold-rimmed sunglasses to accessorise her poolside style, while Miss Hartley opted for a blue and gold triangle bikini and denim shorts.

However, despite appearances, Miss Naik's mother Michelle insists there is nothing romantic going on between Ashley and either of the girls, and the pair are simply in Los Angeles on holiday.


Friends: Ashley seemed rather taken with the young, pretty student


Relaxing in the sun: The pair are joined by friends as the make the most of the heat


She told the Daily Express: 'They are just friends. The girls are just on holiday celebrating after completing their university exams.

'They're good girls. It's coincidence they're staying at the same hotel.

'Melissa isn't very happy about being in the newspapers. She just wants to go on holiday with her friends for a relaxing time.'


Duo: Miss Naik and pal Ellie Hartley show off their enviable bikini bodies


School friends: Melissa (left) and Ellie first met when they attended the prestigious Sheffield High School for Girls together


Melissa and Ellie are said to have met while they attended the prestigious £10,000-a-year Sheffield High School for girls.

They then stayed in touch while Ellie went to university and Melissa in Manchester, before deciding to go on holiday after finishing their second year.

However, while Melissa is 'not interested' in dating Ashley, she has experience of being a WAG, having dated Shaun Wright Phillips last year.


source: dailymail