Ricardo Carvalho Set To Sign For Inter Milan As Chelsea Move For Bruno Alves

Chelsea is set to move for Porto defender Bruno Alves after agreeing to sell his Portuguese team-mate, Ricardo Carvalho.

Carvalho arrived in Milan on Friday night amid confusion as to whether he was in talks with both Serie A clubs, but it is understood he is likely to join European champions Inter. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti blocked Carvalho’s departure to Inter last summer, partly because they did not offer a fee for the 32 year-old.

Chelsea have long admired Alves, however, who declared two days ago he wanted to leave Porto. Alves, 28, has two years left on his contract and Porto had hoped to secure a fee of £15 million for him, but such is his desire to leave that they may now have to settle for less.

Ex-Chelsea Winger Miroslav Stoch Claims He Turned Down Manchester City And Real Madrid To Sign For Fenerbahce

Ex-Chelsea winger Miroslav Stoch has claimed he turned down Manchester City and Real Madrid to sign for Fenerbahce.

Stoch, 20, joined the Istanbul giants last month for £2.5 million on a four-year contract. After impressing on loan at Steve McClaren's Eredivisie-winning FC Twente, a number of sides had been in the chase for the Slovakia World Cup 2010 winger.

Speaking to reporters, he stated he had spurned the advances of some of Europe's most famous teams to make the move to Fenerbahce.

"Among them were Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax and Sevilla," Stoch said.

"I considered everything, from all angles, but Fenerbahce were the best choice."

Chelsea Will Not Sign Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic Or Real Madrid's Kaka - Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he wants to sign Kaka, but conceded there is little prospect of that happening because Real Madrid will not sell.

"Kaka would do well for my cause and I have spoken with him on a regular basis," he told Il Giornale.

"But unfortunately he cannot come: firstly Real Madrid doesn’t want to sell him, and secondly we would need consent over the transfer, and thirdly it would be a multi-million operation. None of these conditions exist."

Reports claimed Zlatan Ibrahimovic had come into view after Ancelotti extended his transfer scope from Madrid to Barcelona.

But the coach kicked that idea into the long grass, insisting there is no plan to sign 'Ibra'. Ancelotti prefers to stick with Didier Drogba as he whips his team into line.

"If you have someone like Drogba who scores 37 goals then why should I look for another [striker]?" he said.

Clubs in England have been moving cautiously on the transfer market with many finding themselves at the sharp end of cuts.

But one club Ancelotti feels will welcome big spending is Manchester City as they continue to pull in the stars.

"They spend plenty and Roberto Mancini is equipping a great squad. Wait and see, they will also sign [Aleksandar] Kolarov and [Edin] Dzeko," said the Ancelotti.

Annan Calm Despite English Interest

Chelsea and Manchester United are both reported to be chasing Ghana World Cup star Anthony Annan.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder currently plays his club football or Rosenborg in Norway but has seen his stock rise on the back of an impressive tournament in South Africa.

Annan made five appearances as the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and is also believed to be interesting French club Lyon.

"I am fine at the moment. I've heard a lot about me going every summer but nothing is fazing me," he said.

"It is good to hear about Man United, Chelsea and Lyon, but nothing is official.

"It is flattering, Lyon are a big team in Europe. But I have a contract with Rosenborg until December 2011 so let's wait and see."

Chelsea And Arsenal Threaten Tottenham Hotspur Push For Barcelona Reject Gai Assulin

Chelsea and Arsenal are set to muscle in on Tottenham Hotspur's move for Barcelona reject Gai Assulin, according to his agent.

Assulin, 19, failed to have his contract renewed this summer after spending seven years at the Nou Camp. Despite the set back, the attacking midfielder remains one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe.

Previously, Spurs had been expected to swoop up the player's signature but London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are now set to enter the race.

Speaking to reporters, agent Pini Zahavi confirmed the chase to land Assulin. He said: "The decision not to renew Gai's contract was mutual. At the moment we are considering his options."

Alexandre Pato Insists He Is Focused On AC Milan & Not Potential Moves To Chelsea

AC Milan ace Alexandre Pato has insisted he is dedicated to the Rossoneri, despite European heavyweight Chelsea being credited with an interest in securing his signature.

The Brazilian hitman has been tipped to leave the San Siro in a big-money move this summer, but the striker has revealed he has no plans at all to leave the club.

"I have a contract with Milan until 2014 and I intend to respect that," Pato told Eband TV.

"Maybe one day I will return to Brazil to close my career with Internacional, who are the team I support."

Pato was overlooked by Brazil at the World Cup, but he is confident of protecting his interests with the national team so he can play a key role in their 2014 World Cup on home soil.

"I am focused on playing for Milan, but I hope the next Brazil coach keeps me in mind," he concluded.

Chelsea Join Race For Dutch Ace Sneijder

Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the chase for Holland World Cup star Wesley Sneijder.

The Blues have contacted midfield dynamo Sneijder via third parties at the Dutch HQ in South Africa after Mirror Sport revealed United wanted him.

Sneijder has been made aware Chelsea will match any United offer and increase his wages to land a player that owner Roman Abramovich is willing to break the bank for.

And while Sneijder has claimed his ‘heart’ is with Champions League winners Inter Milan, Chelsea believe they are in with a strong chance if it becomes a bidding war.

United made an approach for Sneijder, 26, after being tipped off that he was interested in a move, and Sir Alex Ferguson rates him as his No.1 target.

Inter President Massimo Moratti has admitted to United’s interest and have not slammed the door shut in case new boss Rafa Benitez has other plans or a massive offer comes in.

United would want to pay around £25million, but Chelsea are capable of going well beyond that.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to land Kaka from Real Madrid, but there is also a vacancy for Sneijder if he gives the Blues the nod.

Mikel Obi: It's All Good

John Mikel Obi is happy to be back in the groove at Cobham, after sitting out the end of last season with injury.

Ankle and knee problems sustained in April meant the Nigeria international was sidelined as we secured both the Barclays Premier League and the FA Cup in May, and he had to return home from the World Cup before the competition had started.

Since then he has been in rehabilitation, and is pleased to report the problems, which required minor surgery, are now behind him.

'It was really frustrating to miss out but at the same time I was obviously happy that we won the Double,' said the 23-year-old.

'Since I came home from South Africa I've been here, working hard on my knee and making sure I am ready for the start of the season.

'I'm fully involved now with pre-season training and have started the double sessions. It is going really well, the training is good and the weather has been fantastic, and we are all working hard. I look forward to the rest of the squad joining us and I hope it can be another good season.'

In a similar position to Mikel is Michael Essien, who has not featured since December but like his fellow midfielder is nearing a return to full fitness, and has been fully involved in training so far.

Asked whether this means more competition for a midfield place this year, Mikel said: 'I don't know, I'm working hard and whatever decisions there are are for the manager.

'It is very good to have Essien back. He has been out for a long time, and I hope we can play together in the middle, that would be great.'

It remains to be seen whether the pair will be back and ready for match action in time for our first pre-season friendly at Crystal Palace on July 17, but with Michael Ballack departed, their presence in the centre of the park will be as important as ever come the season's start.

Chelsea Players Delighted Essien Available For Start Of Pre-Season

John Obi Mikel says Chelsea players are delighted Michael Essien is available for the start of preseason training.

Essien has not featured since December but like his fellow midfielder is nearing a return to full fitness and has been fully involved in training so far.

Asked whether this means more competition for a midfield place this year, Mikel told chelseafc.com: "I don't know, I'm working hard and whatever decisions there are for the manager.

"It is very good to have Essien back. He has been out for a long time, and I hope we can play together in the middle, that would be great."