Blues Caught In Cole Crisis

Chelsea are facing a desperate battle to hang on to tormented star Ashley Cole.

The England defender faces the bleak prospect of becoming public enemy No 1 next season following his bitter split from national sweetheart Cheryl Cole.

The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday that the Girls Aloud star has filed for divorce in London.

Cole is now certain to suffer a terrace backlash - with his life on and off the pitch continuously under a microscope.

That has alerted Europe's biggest clubs - and especially new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who has never hidden his love for his former Chelsea player.

A Madrid source confirmed: "The feeling is Ashley will have a terrible time if he stays in England next season.

"Clubs like Real are hoping Chelsea will sympathize with Cole's plight and let him escape all the abuse and find a new life - hopefully with us."

Cole has become increasingly worn down with life in England, although he has never fallen out of love with Chelsea, where he has three years left on his current contract.

There is no doubt the Double winners want to keep their prized defender - but even Stamford Bridge insiders realize they face a tough battle.

One said: "Everyone at Chelsea can see Ashley loves the club, his team-mates and the fans. There's no doubt about that.

"But who could blame him for not wanting to live in England any more, especially after his divorce from Cheryl?

"We can all imagine what kind of abuse he'll face from away fans next season. Who'd want to put up with that?"

There will be no shortage of offers for Cole, widely regarded as the world's best left-back.

While Mourinho will be at the front of the queue, Real's rivals Barcelona would also be keen to capture the Three Lions star.

AC Milan, Roma and Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring events.

Di Santo`s Dutch Choice?

After a season playing his football up on the delightful cobbled streets of Blackburn, Franco Di Santos has returned to Chelsea.

Whispers that Blackburn might try to sign him on a permanent basis fizzled out in a similar manner to which the impression Di Santo was making at Blackburn did.

Therefore the young Argentine, clearly behind Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, has a decision to make.

Does he persist with trying to make a breakthrough at Chelsea, does he look for another spell out on loan or would a move away from SW6 be more beneficial?

According to one red-top Franco is looking at the latter of those three options with a move to FC Twente seemingly on the cards with the whisper that, for Franco, regular first team football is of paramount importance as he seeks to develop his career.

Chelsea Consider £16m Move For Everton Youngster Rodwell

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly ready to make a big money offer for Everton teenager Jack Rodwell as the Chelsea boss looks to inject more youth into his aging squad. The Chelsea boss has earmarked the England Under-21 international as a player he could build his side around in the future and hopes that an offer of around £16m will tempt the Toffees into accepting their advances.

Last summer the Stamford Bridge side showed their intention to pick up talented English youngsters ahead of the forthcoming ‘homegrown’ ruling set to come into operation in the Premier League next season. Chelsea brought in Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge as players for the future and they have now set their sights on the highly rated Goodison Park midfielder.

Rodwell had an assured season last term where he showed his growing maturity as he was given far more playing time. The 19 year old was handed 25 starts and impressed many and has been linked with moves to the likes of Man United and Man City but Ancelotti hopes he can beat those potential suitors to the teenagers signature this summer.

Kaka Keen To Leave Real Madrid For Chelsea And Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is ready to quit the club to join up with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, according to reports.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport have reported that the 28-year-old, already unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu, is concerned about Jose Mourinho's prospective arrival as Real Madrid's new manager this summer, and would thus consider leaving the club after just one season there.

The former AC Milan playmaker would welcome the opportunity to link up with Ancelotti again — especially considering that the Blues are prime contenders for Premier League and Champions League glory next term.

Ancelotti worked with the Brazilian midfielder for six years at Milan, where they won a Champions League and Serie A title together.

After Ancelotti left the club last summer — going on to win the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season in England — Kaka also exited San Siro for Real in a then-world record £65 million deal. But after a season affected by injury and poor form, the Spanish club might be open to an offer that allows them to recoup some of the money spent on the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner.

Kaka made 25 La Liga appearances for Real last season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.

Ghana's Injured Essien Out Of Finals

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been ruled out of the World Cup finals after failing to recover from a knee injury, the country's FA said on Thursday.

"An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July," Ghana's FA said on its website (www.ghanafa.org).

The Chelsea midfielder has been recovering from a knee injury picked up at the African Nations Cup in January. He played just 45 minutes at the tournament in Angola after suffering a hamstring injury in the Champions League in November.

His loss is a blow to Ghana whose coach Milovan Rajevac last week described Essien as the leader and engine room of his team. Rajevac is due to decide on his final 23-man squad on Tuesday.

Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Serbia on June 13 and also play Germany and Australia in Group D.

Essien is hugely popular in Ghana and his image is pasted up all over the country.

He has scored seven times in 50 appearances for his country and played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Essien hinted several weeks ago he might not be fit for the tournament in South Africa, which kicks off on June 11.

"The last thing I want is to rush back and cause more problems down the line. If I make it for the World Cup then great -- if not, I have my whole career ahead of me," he told the Chelsea website.

Ghana are still unsure of the fitness of two other key players, Stephen Appiah and John Mensah.

Joe Cole Closer To England Exit With Likely Snub

Joe Cole’s chances of going to the World Cup hang in the balance after he was not guaranteed to start against Japan on Sunday in England’s final warm-up game before the tournament.

Cole and his three Chelsea team-mates in the England squad sat out the 3-1 victory over Mexico on Monday to allow them to recover from the FA Cup Final nine days earlier, even though Cole appeared only as a 70th-minute substitute in his club’s 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Wembley.

Unlike Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole, Joe Cole has not been told that he will start against Japan in Graz, Austria. That would leave him clinging to the hope that a potential substitute appearance and his performances in training will be enough to convince Fabio Capello that the 28-year-old is worth a place as one of England’s creative midfield players.

England lacked guile against Mexico but Cole’s case for inclusion is weaker than it might have been because injury forced him to miss much of England’s World Cup qualifying campaign and Chelsea’s title-winning Barclays Premier League season. He last played for the national team in their 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Croatia in September 2008.

Cole faces tough competition for a place as a left-sided player from Adam Johnson, the 22-year-old winger, who has been fast-tracked into the England set-up after impressing with Manchester City since joining them in January transfer window. He made his international debut as a substitute on Monday and has been praised for his performances in practice with England.

Capello could be taking a risk by putting Ashley Cole in his starting XI against Japan because it would mean the position of understudy left back would remain uncertain. Leighton Baines was poor against Mexico while Stephen Warnock, the other candidate for the role, would ideally need to add to his one international cap before going to the tournament.

David James, the Portsmouth goalkeeper, is likely to feature against Japan having missed the Mexico game but Ledley King will take no part on Sunday after playing the full 90 minutes on Monday. A chronic knee injury prevented the Tottenham Hotspur centre half from playing more than one game a week for most of last season.

Frank Lampard Believes That The Chelsea Fans Play A Huge Role In Team's Success

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea fans' loyal support played a huge part in their success this season.

The Blues landed their first-ever double after following up securing the Premier League title by scooping the FA Cup.

While some fans are quick to get on players' backs if things are not going according to plan, Lampard is pleased the Stamford Bridge faithful have never singled out anyone for criticism.

Things have not been so rosy at rival clubs as Emmanuel Eboue has been blasted by Arsenal fans while Dimitar Berbatov has come in from criticism from Manchester United supporters.

However, Lampard believes Chelsea fans are different and that having come from the background of Division Two football that they are more appreciative of the team's current success.

"I've never heard them get right on someone's back, boo them and destroy them. Never," explained Lampard.

"Don't get me wrong, they can moan and groan a little bit but that's normal. We all get upset watching games.

"But they are always there, they travel fantastically well and the main thing is that they don't get on anyone's back.

"Some clubs, given what we've been given and being elevated to where we are now, would be moaning and thinking: 'We should be winning' after 20 minutes at 0-0.

"But Chelsea fans are a little bit different. Probably because they've been through a lot before I was here, where they've sat down and watched a Division Two team in a stand that was 30 yards away from the pitch.

"So now they can't believe what's happening here. They go with it and, like me, they think it's fantastic."

Chelsea Must Keep Stars, Says John Terry

John Terry has urged Chelsea to keep hold of their top stars.

The Blues skipper admits it's just as important that Carlo Ancelotti keeps the squad together as it is bringing in new recruits.

Last season Terry named David Villa and Franck Ribery as potential buys - transfers which never became a reality. But this season he is being more coy about naming possible targets.

“I’m definitely not going to get caught up in that one again!" he said.

“Honestly, when I signed my deal last year I stressed that it was important that Didier (Drogba) and Lamps and these kind of people stay here. I think it’s really important once again.

“And I stress it again - that Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka’s contracts are on the verge of being up - Nico has got a year left, and Joe is up in the summer.

“It’d be nice if we can keep these players. We’re linked with a lot of players because we are a big club.

"I think that the bottom half of the Premier League has closed the gap on the big four, and it’s time for all of us to spend."

Young Internationals Star On European Stage

The club football season may have ended, but whilst the World Cup looms large in the foreground, the UEFA Under-17 and Under-19 ranks are in action as well. As usual, Chelsea are well represented at the business end of things.


In Liechtenstein, Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah are with John Peacock’s England team as they seek to win the European Under-17 Championships. Many people’s favourites for the tournament, they started with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic last week. After going 1-0 down, Everton’s Ross Barkley equalised, with McEachran adding a second and Arsenal’s Benik Afobe a third immediately afterwards. Josh was Man of the Match and was involved in everything England did going forwards, capping his performance with a sumptuous goal which you can watch here.

Chalobah, the youngest player in the tournament by almost 100 days (from Portugal’s Bruma, an apparent Chelsea target), played alongside Andre Wisdom at centre-back and was by far the more accomplished performer, doing his job well defensively and striding forward into midfield with confidence. The Blues pair both started again in Friday’s 1-0 win over Greece to seal a place in the Semi Finals, but were then given a rest on Monday night for the final group fixture with Turkey. A 2-1 win secured a final four match against France on Thursday, when both Josh and Nathaniel will be back in the team, looking to secure a maiden trophy at this level.

One age group up, meanwhile, and the Under-19 generations are competing in the Elite Round of qualifying to try and seal one of eight berths in France this July. One of the first teams to join the hosts was Croatia, who were backstopped by Matej Delač. Despite being a regular at Under-21 level and an occasional senior team squad member, Delač dropped down to give the Croatians a strong chance of making it through. Three wins from three sealed the deal, but Matej played just nineteen minutes of football. A nasty head injury inflicted whilst dealing with a free kick temporarily knocked him unconscious but despite suffering a mild concussion, he is none the worse for wear and should keep goal this summer ahead of potentially joining up with Chelsea in late August, after he turns 18.

Also heading to France are Italians Fabio Borini and Jacopo Sala, who featured in all three group matches against the Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, and Russia. Captain Borini, another regular Under-21 player, grabbed the second goal in a 2-0 win over the Czechs with a finish from the edge of the area, and helped as a Mattia Destro brace secured their qualification in a 3-2 win over Northern Ireland. The Azzurrini lost their last match 3-1 to Russia as our man scored another in consolation, whilst Sala’s three appearances saw one assist in outings where he was twice replaced at half time and once with a quarter of an hour remaining.

The trio will be joined by either Jacob Mellis or Conor Clifford, who are competing for the Group 3 winner’s spot along with the Ukraine and Bosnia. England and Ireland kicked things off in Kyiv earlier today with Noel Blake’s boys taking a 1-0 victory through Dean Parrett’s free kick. However, Ireland were comfortably the better side and will hope the remainder of this week’s fixtures take them through to the finals. Mellis had a decent game in direct competition with his team-mate, as the duo shared a number of tackles, and was replaced with fifteen minutes to go.

Looking forward to the Finals, with Holland and Portugal both also confirmed, there is a chance that Jeffrey Bruma and Kaby may increase club representation but with neither featuring on the road to France, it would be unlikely.

Barcelona Want Chelsea To Pay £25m For Midfielder Yaya Toure

Barcelona are demanding that Chelsea pay £25 million if they want to buy midfielder Yaya Toure this summer.

The Ivory Coast international could be set to leave the La Liga champions as his agent has mentioned the Blues as the ideal team for the defensive midfielder.

Chelsea initially bid about £17m for the 27-year-old, but that offer was reportedly turned down by the Catalan giants, who are seeking £25-30m for the Ivorian, according to The Mirror.

Toure signed a new contract with Barcelona last season, but with manager Pep Guardiola unable to guarantee the midfielder a regular place in his starting XI next season.

Guardiola would like to keep Toure at Camp Nou, but because of the player's desire for regular for first-team football, Barcelona could let him leave if the right offer surfaces.

Olympique De Marseille’s Charles Kabore Associated With Chelsea Move

Charles Kabore’s progress at Olympique de Marseille is being closely examined by English giants Chelsea, who have reportedly sent chief scout Frank Arnesen to watch the holding midfield player on several occasions in the recent past, according to France Football.

Burkina Faso international Kabore played an increasingly important role in les Phoceens’ charge to the Ligue 1 title, featuring from the start of 21 games, playing either in an anchoring midfield role or at right back. His most telling contribution was the opening goal in the home match against Olympique Lyonnais, which OM would ultimately go on to win 2-1, giving them a springboard from which to attack in the closing weeks of the campaign.

The 22-year-old Kabore has played with the Stade Velodrome club since 2008, when he signed from Libourne-Saint-Seurin, though it has only been in recent times he has made an impression in the first team.

Meanwhile, Marseille have rejected the notion that they could be ready to sell Stephane Mbia, who has been linked with Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Speaking of the destructive Cameroon midfielder, who has also practised in defence for long portions of this season, OM sporting director Jose Anigo said: “€18 million? This is not the objective; Stephane Mbia is not for sale.”

While OM have been linked with a clear-out in their offensive sector, they have pledged to try to keep their defence as untouched as possible over the forthcoming transfer window

Ancelotti Hopes To Beat AC Milan To Edin Dzeko

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly entered the race for Wolfsburg’s highly rated striker Edin Dzeko. The Stamford Bridge boss faces stiff competition from his former club AC Milan as a plethora of Europe’s elite look to snap up the 24 year old this summer.

Despite seeing his Bundesliga winning side struggle last term and only managing an eighth place finish, the Bosnian still finished top scorer in the domestic league and seems certain to leave the club despite the arrival of new boss Steve McClaren.

The Premier League champions are looking for new striking options to prepare for the long term future, which seems wise given the fact that Didier Drogba (32) and Nicolas Anelka (31) are in the autumn of their very successful careers.

The £28m rated giant forward is a lethal finisher who is as deadly on the ground as he is in the air and would be well worth the valuation placed on his shoulders by Wolfsburg.

Chelsea Is Scouting Uruguayan Striker

If you haven’t yet heard of Luis Suarez, you soon will. The 23-year-old Uruguayan forward scored the most goals in any European league this year – one more than Lionel Messi.

The mesmerizing forward scored 35 goals in the Dutch league and achieved a grand total of 49 in all competitions. As if that wasn’t enough, he was resoundingly declared Dutch Footballer of the Year. Little wonder than that he’s been watched closely by Chelsea.

But it’s just as likely that you’ll hear about him through his misdemeanours. His erratic and irritating petulance often puts him at odds with his teammates and his manager. On his international debut against Columbia, Suarez was forced to leave for an early bath after being shown a second yellow card for dissent.

Last season Suarez perplexingly opted to attempt a nonchalant chip after winning a vital penalty for his club. Unsurprisingly, his arrogance was gratefully received by the AZ Alkmar goalkeeper. His then manager, Marco Van Basten, gasped exasperatingly at his forwards unpredictability.

Suarez also has a reputation for hitting the deck. So much so that you could be forgiven that he suffers from narcolepsy. He’ll be on slide number one at the referee meetings before the World Cup.

Yet, despite his incredible ability to vex onlookers, Suarez is an impressive talent with an impressive record. He began his career at Uruguayan side Nacional, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances and wining the Uruguayan league before FC Groningen shelled out around £700,000 to take him to the Netherlands where he scored 10 in 29 before attracting the attention of Dutch giants Ajax.

He made his big money move to the Dutch capital in 2009 following only a single season at FC Groningen. The striker exchanged hands for a sum around £6.5m.

His first contribution to the Eredivisie side, rather typically, was winning a penalty in a Champions League qualifier. On his league debut he impressed further by scoring a goal, assisting three more and again winning yet another penalty. Since then, the forward has scored 74 goals in 97 games.

Mourinho Plans £50M Blues Raid

Jose Mourinho has told Real Madrid to make a £50 million move on his old club Chelsea for Michael Essien and Ashley Cole.

Mourinho, who had talks with Real on Monday and is expected to be named as their new boss within the week, has already lined up a hitlist of summer targets with an expected £100m budget at his disposal.

His interest in Cole is well known, and a £25m bid is being prepared. But the Daily Express can reveal that Mourinho also wants powerhouse midfielder Essien.

Essien, 27, missed half the season with knee ligament problems, which he suffered on international duty with Ghana in January.

He is now close to recovery and is expected to figure for his country again in South Africa next month, where Ghana are in a group with Germany, Australia and Serbia.

Mourinho also covets Frank Lampard but knows he would not be allowed to prise him away from Stamford Bridge – nor is Lampard keen to leave. But he believes he has a chance of getting Essien, whom he signed for Chelsea from Lyon in 2005 for £26m. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti rates Essien highly but coped well enough without him last season. But, with both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole still to sign new contracts and Deco leaving, he will not want to lose any more players from midfield.

Essien is one of the players Chelsea could pick up substantial funds for if they sold him, unlike either Cole or Ballack, who would be free transfers.

Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes and Real representatives were in talks with Inter yesterday to negotiate his release from the club he led to the Champions League title on Saturday. Mourinho is expected back in Madrid today for further discussions.

Rajevac: Essien Vital To African Finals

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac insists Michael Essien's involvement in the FIFA World Cup™ is vital, not just to his country but to the tournament itself. The 27-year-old Chelsea midfielder missed a large part of last season due to knee and ankle injuries and has hardly played any competitive football since December, making him a major doubt for the trip to South Africa. But his national boss is hoping he will be fit.

"Essien is an important player, not only for Ghana but for the World Cup," Rajevac told the Ghana Football Association (GFA) website. "He is one of the best players in the world and the World Cup is an assembly of the best. Ghana wants him there, the organisers want him there and the world wants him there. Argentina is going and people want to see (Lionel) Messi, Portugal is going and people want to see (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Ghana is going and people want to see Essien."

Essien, who was due to meet officials from both club and country in London this week, will reportedly link up with the Black Stars at their French base camp on Friday. Rajevac revealed that he was expecting Essien to be fit, but insisted that he did have contingency plans.

"I am confident he can make it," he said. "But if he doesn't make it we have to do without him. There are other young and hungry players who will be equally passionate to play."

The Serbian coach is also awaiting news on defender John Mensah and striker Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who are yet to be passed 100% fit for the June 11 to July 11 competition. But he is confident, adding: "I hope all (injuries) are cleared before (the World Cup) starts. Some are experiencing injuries. But the World Cup is the best show for the best players in the world. I hope all will come. The competition gathers the best squads and the best players will be there. Once the players are fit, they will come and some would make a big mark."

Company Claims Modelling Deal With Chelsea FC Stars

Pattni Imaginations has announced that Chelsea FC have signed a deal that will see a range of Chelsea-branded football action figures hit the market, including club favourites Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Florent Malouda.

The incredibly realistic action figures have movable head, shoulders, arms, waist, legs, knees and ankles. The latest deal, says Pattni, sees Chelsea join Liverpool FC and Manchester United in the ever-expanding Pattni League.

With Chelsea having wrapped up a fantastic Premier League winning season by securing the FA Cup at Wembley, this latest deal is sure to add further appeal to the product, which is set to hit retail outlets across the UK in the autumn.

The likes of Drogba, Terry, Malouda and Drogba, four of Chelsea's biggest names, will be on show at this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

"Having the Double winners on board is excellent news and means that we now have three of world football's biggest teams signed on for this new range," says Pattni Imaginations MD Mayur Pattni. "After an incredible Premier League season the World Cup is nearly upon us so football's profile is absolutely sky high and there couldn’t be a better time to be working on this fantastic product. We expect a huge reaction when the range is launched later this year!"

Cole Begins Divorce Proceedings

Singer Cheryl Cole has begun divorce proceedings to end her marriage to Ashley Cole following allegations the footballer cheated on her with a number of women.

The Girls Aloud beauty wed the star in July 2006 but their marriage was rocked in 2008 when hairdresser Aimee Walton claimed she had spent the night with the sportsman.

Cole battled through the fallout in a desperate bid to save her marriage - but further allegations emerged in February linking her husband to four more women.

The singer subsequently walked out on her husband of four years, announcing their separation. And now Cole has begun legal proceedings to make the split official, with her lawyers filing papers at London's High Court on Tuesday, according to The Sun newspaper.

The documents cite the footballer's "unreasonable behaviour" in Cole's petition to end the marriage, and claim that when the singer "put it to him that he had been unfaithful," the sportsman "admitted it".

Cole has reportedly asked for a quick divorce, to be finalised before her estranged husband flies to South Africa next month for the start of the World Cup. She will also let her former partner keep their marital home in Surrey and not demand any financial support, according to The Sun.

A source tells publication, "She wants a completely clean break with no malice or wrangling over property or money, Cheryl will not take one penny of Ashley's money. The house means nothing to her. She only moved there because it was important to be near Ashley's training ground. Cheryl is giving the house to him."

Chelsea Contingent Make Absence Felt In Disjointed England Display

A row of dark-suited men watching from a row of seats behind the England dug‑out exerted more of an influence on Tuesday night's performance than most of the players on the pitch. What Fabio Capello's side lacked against Mexico was the composed decisiveness of John Terry, the dynamism of Ashley Cole, the connectivity of Frank Lampard and the imagination of Joe Cole. Even in a 3-1 victory Chelsea's Double-winners were badly missed.

Not too many conclusions should be drawn from a pre-World Cup friendly, particularly one in which England were without several key figures. But it would have been nice to see, along with the energy and the eagerness to please their coach, just a little bit of joined-up football, something to suggest that they had spent a week on the training pitch. Most of that sort of thing came from Mexico, a reminder of the times without number when even England's most ardent admirers have despaired of seeing the white shirts pass the ball with the intelligence and accuracy shown by their opponents.

While Mexico seldom distinguishes themselves at the World Cup, neither do they go home in humiliation. That made them useful opponents on Tuesday night, a good yardstick by which Capello could judge certain elements of England's progress. When it came to coherent defending and incisive attacking, he would not have seen much to encourage optimism.

He did not join his players' post-match stroll around the pitch, in which they accepted the good wishes of the impressive crowd. Instead he headed quickly towards the dressing room. There he and his coaches would have much to talk about, such as the identity of the seven players to be left at home next week. At the moment the leading candidates appear to be Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry or Tom Huddlestone, Darren Bent, Scott Parker, Michael Dawson or Matthew Upson, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Leighton Baines or Stephen Warnock, who may get an outing against Japan on Sunday.

The goal that gave England a thoroughly undeserved lead in the 17th minute made a big point for Peter Crouch as he headed Steven Gerrard's corner back across goal for Ledley King to nod home. The Tottenham Hotspur striker had got his wish. This was his 14th appearance under Capello but only his fourth start. With just two auditions to go before the meeting with the United States on 12 June, Crouch was being given the chance to claim a role alongside Wayne Rooney as England's best supporting forward.

However much Capello talks about tactical flexibility, the odds must be on the manager sticking to the 4-4-2 formation with which England reached the finals. The identity of Rooney's principal assistant, however, remains a matter of speculation.

On the face of it the record of 21 goals in 38 internationals that accompanied Crouch out of Wembley on Tuesday night trumps Emile Heskey's seven in 57 every time. But although Crouch scores the goals, Heskey leads the line in the old-fashioned way, using his experience to guide others into position while using his strength to absorb pressure in a way that his rival is ill-equipped to match. At international level Michael Owen and Rooney have been the beneficiaries of Heskey's unselfishness.

Neither man has been able to establish himself as a first-choice centre-forward in domestic football this season, Heskey supplanted at Aston Villa by John Carew while Crouch lost out to Harry Redknapp's preference for Roman Pavlyuchenko in the second half of the season – not the vote of confidence a World Cup candidate would be hoping for.

Crouch's goals are seldom scored against opposition of the highest class. Before Tuesday night they had come against Uruguay, Hungary, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Greece, Andorra, Macedonia, Estonia, Austria, Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus and Egypt. Now he can add Mexico to the list. No Brazil or Germany there, although no doubt he would plead a lack of opportunity.

He cuts an angular figure on the pitch, which offends purists and aesthetes. His last goal in Tottenham's recent league campaign, and perhaps his most important of the season, came in the 1-0 defeat of Manchester City at Eastlands, when Marton Fulop pushed the ball on to his head and virtually all Crouch had to do was be in the right place and watch it hit the net. But, of course, he had needed to get himself into that place in order to take advantage of the gift.

When he scored on Tuesday night, after 34 minutes, it was with an even more unprepossessing effort. Rooney's header was brilliantly tipped on to the bar by Oscar Pérez, only for the goalkeeper to turn and watch the ball fall in front of Crouch, who hardly had to move in order to nudge it across the goal line with a combination of chest and upper arm.

He had been in an illegal position as Rooney's head struck the ball and in a world with a proper offside law it would not have been allowed to stand. But Crouch is a lucky player – albeit one who, most diligently and admirably, makes his own luck, and that is something Capello's England are definitely going to need.

Anelka Hoping To Shine

France striker Nicolas Anelka is determined to make an impact at the World Cup after missing out on the last three editions.

The 31-year-old refused to play under former national team coach Jacques Santini and was out of the squad for three years before current boss Raymond Domenech recalled him in November 2005.

Now firmly established in the manager's plans for South Africa, Chelsea forward Anelka is a frontrunner for a starting spot, and is confident Les Bleus can repeat their 1998 triumph.

"It's a very big competition for any player, I have never taken part in it before and I am very happy to get the chance," said Anelka.

"There's no point playing just for the sake of it. We will only be happy if we've played well and if we've won it. Why not?"

Domenech's men narrowly clinched their place in the tournament after knocking out Republic of Ireland in a tight play-off, but Anelka predicts a better showing from his team in South Africa.

"We think we can win it and we have the players to do so," he added.

"We have been working well physically and tactically and we can't wait to see what it brings out on the field."

Known for his outspoken nature, Anelka did not shy away from slamming Domenech's lack of tactical awareness when European champions Spain defeated France 2-0 in March.

"It's logical to be critical when you lose a match, and when you lose in this way," he said. "We have been working on things this week to make us better tactically."

Anelka's Chelsea colleague Florent Malouda has been largely given the cold shoulder since France's disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, where he failed to impress in a defensive role.

But he could potentially slot into midfield alongside Jeremy Toulalan and Yoann Gourcuff in South Africa, and Anelka is backing him to shine.

"He does this very well for Chelsea, so he can do it just as well for France," added Anelka.

"He had a great season for Chelsea. I think the coach will give him his chance and he'll take it."

Internationals: Carvalho Back In Action

World Cup warm-up matches began for Chelsea players on Monday night as although none of our England four were in action at Wembley, our Portuguese three all started their country's game.

A 0-0 home draw will give some satisfaction to defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira, although the opposition was hardly the most testing. Cape Verde Islands were the visitors.

Carvalho was playing his first match since our 5-0 away win at Portsmouth two months ago and was replaced at half-time. Ferreira at left-back played 68 minutes with Deco subbed on 57 minutes.

The Czech Republic are not World Cup-bound but that didn't prevent them playing a friendly away to Guus Hiddink's Turkey over the weekend. Petr Cech was in goal for a 2-1 defeat. Turkey have also not qualified for the Finals.

At junior international level, Fabio Borini and Jacopo Sala were again in action for Italy Under- 19s as they booked their place in July's European Championship Finals by making it two wins out of two in a qualification tournament. Borini played the whole of a 3-2 win over Northern Ireland but unlike the first match did not find the net. Sala played the first half.

England Under-17s, already qualified for the semi-final of the on-going European Championships Finals, left Chelsea duo Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah on the bench for their final group game against Turkey on Monday evening. The pair had played the previous two matches and are likely to return for Thursday's semi against France.

Nigerian Football Federation Play Down Reports Chelsea’s Jon Obi Mikel Will Miss World Cup

The Nigerian Football Federation have played down reports suggested Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel could miss the World Cup with a knee injury.

The 23-year-old missed his side’s Premier League run-in and the FA Cup final win over Portsmouth after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Staffs from the Nigerian medical team have been sent to speak with Chelsea’s staff to discuss the player’s injury and Nigeria’s media officer Idah Peterside is confident the midfielder will make the tournament.

"We are confident here that he will be okay," Peterside told www.kickoffnigeria.com.

"Monday is the last day of his rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions, and the staff here are being sent there to speak with the Chelsea people to see that both sides can work together on a harmonized program that will be in the interest of the player."

Nigeria have every chance of progressing to the second round in the World Cup under new manager Lars Lagerback, where his side will play Argentina, Greece and South Korea.

Chelsea Favourites To Sign Barcelona Midfielder Toure

Chelsea are the most likely club to sign Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, according to his agent.

The Barcelona midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp for some time, given his failure to hold down a starting eleven place last season. Arsenal have long been linked to the 27-year-old, but according to the Spanish daily ‘Sport’, Toure’s agent, Dimmitri Selluk said that Chelsea are best placed to land the Ivory Coast international.

According to ‘Sport’, Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is not looking to offload Toure to Chelsea or anyone else. Toure is in his plans, but equally Guardiola would prefer to see an unhappy player leave rather than negatively influence the dressing room.

‘Sport’ speculates that Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti would have to pay between 30-35 million Euros to capture Toure, who has 45 international caps. It is thought that the Chelsea futures of both Joe Cole and Michael Ballack are uncertain, leaving possible room for a new midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham Blow Stuns Obi MIkel

John Obi Mikel has seen his World Cup dreams thrown into disarray after Nigeria’s Upton Park friendly with Colombia on Sunday was cancelled by West Ham.

Mikel was hoping to prove his fitness after missing the end of the season with a knee injury.

The 23-year-old midfield man could only watch from the sidelines as his team-mates went on to win Chelsea’s first Premier League and FA Cup double.

Mikel has resumed light training and had been hoping to get some match practice to prove his World Cup fitness.

But he is now facing a race against time to play in South Africa after Nigeria’s match was postponed at the last minute, despite tickets being sold for the game, after the club failed to reach an agreement with the organiser.

A West Ham statement said: “Following discussions between West Ham, the match agent and local agencies on Monday morning, West Ham can confirm that Sunday’s proposed international friendly between Nigeria and Colombia will now not be played at the Boleyn Ground.”

Chelsea Confident Of Fending Off Jose Mourinho Interest In Taking Ashley Cole & Didier Drogba To Real Madrid

Chelsea are confident of holding on to left-back Ashley Cole, despite mounting speculation that Real Madrid are preparing an offer to tempt the 29-year old England international to La Liga this summer.

According to a report in The Daily Telegraph, the double winners are also bracing themselves for other potential attempts for their stars with ex-Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho expected to take over at Real Madrid sometime this week. The Inter coach has been linked with moves for some of the side that he led to successive Premier League titles during his time in London.

The West Londoners will believe they are in a strong position to hold onto their best talent, with Cole and Didier Drogba signing new contracts last summer and Frank Lampard only two years into a five-year deal.

Mourinho was responsible for bringing Cole to Stamford Bridge from Arsenal in 2006 and due to media attention it is believed the England international may favour a move abroad, while Drogba has spoken out publicly in the past about a close relationship with his former coach.

Mourinho is expected to be given as much as £100m to spend on strengthening a Real Madrid side that fell short in both La Liga and the Champions League this season, with defence believed to be the key area he would like to boost, but he may also favour bringing in playing staff that he is familiar with.

Michael Ballack: I'll Sign New Chelsea Contract Because Carlo Ancelotti Has Confidence In Me

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has revealed that thanks to a caring club scene he intends to sign a new contract this summer.

The 33-year-old will miss the upcoming World Cup with an ankle injury, but he revealed that the support Chelsea have shown him since picking it up means he is very keen to stay.

“I think that I’ll continue playing for Chelsea, as in the last few days I keep getting calls from the club. People trying to comfort and inspire me.

“All of this suggests I’ll stay at Chelsea. Also, the coach Carlo Ancelotti always showed confidence in me during the season,” he said, according to the Daily Mail.

The German international is keen to stay at Stamford Bridge after playing a huge part in the club’s first league and FA Cup double this year.

He is expected to hold contract talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich this week as he looks to extend his stay at the club he joined in 2006.

Trophies From Amsterdam

The final whistle has blown on Chelsea match action for the season with even more silverware won.

A team of young Blues were victorious in the Copa Amsterdam Under-19 tournament played over three days in Holland and with international call-ups and injuries cutting significantly the number of players available, it was a sign of strength-in-depth in the junior ranks.

Major clubs from Europe and South and Central America were represented and in the first group game, a Chelsea side that was predominantly a youth team beat Chivas Guadalajara 2-0 with goals from Ben Gordon and Daniel Philliskirk.

Botafogo of Brazil were then defeated in the last minute by a goal from guest player Aleksander Trajkovski, guaranteeing a place in the semi-final. The squad was rotated for the third group game which was lost 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar of Holland.

The semi-final presented the tough challenge of playing Ajax in Amsterdam. The tournament was held in the city's Olympisch Stadion which is that club's former home.

Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to a Billy Clifford goal and Sevilla knocked out another Dutch team, AZ, in the other semi.

Following a final against the Spaniards that ended goalless, the first 13 takers in the penalty shoot-out kept their nerve, but then Sam Walker saved to give Chelsea victory 7-6 on penalties.

Walker the keeper for the recent FA Youth Cup triumph, won best goalkeeper of the tournament and Chelsea centre-back Rohan Ince won player of the tournament.

'It has rounded off a fantastic season for the club at all levels,' reports reserve team manager Steve Holland.

'It is a tournament we look back on with a great deal of satisfaction because it doesn't just highlight the fact we have talented young players at the club, we knew that anyway by the lads that made their first-team debuts this year and the success of the youth team, it also shows what depth we have.

'We were without 13 players who could have been available to us and to enter a tournament of this standing without players like Fabio Borini, Gael Kakuta, Jacob Mellis, Josh McEachran, Conor Clifford, Jacop Sala, Jeffrey Bruma and Danny Mills Pappoe and still win is great testament to the strength that we have.

'Billy Clifford did very well,' Holland adds. 'He played mainly at full-back for the youth team in the Youth Cup but with Conor Clifford, McEachran and Sala away on international duty, Billy moved into midfield and scored the vital winner in the semi.

'The cup we won is huge. It takes two people to lift it an inch off the ground!'

Terry Looks Back Over The Season

Chelsea TV hears from four influential first teamers this week as John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack review the season.

Double Winner begins with Terry on Tuesday as the captain gives a personal account of an historic campaign with the Blues.

Lampard's views air on Wednesday at the same time before Cole and Ballack have their say on Thursday and Friday respectively, all at 6.45pm.

You can hear the four stars talking about the season's greatest moments, the turning points and the highs and lows as they speak openly and honestly about the last 10 months.

Also, as we prepare for the world's biggest competition, the club's official television channel looks ahead to the tournament with the World Cup Preview Show at 6.45pm on Wednesday evening.

That program includes the opinions of every first team player who is taking part in this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Michael Ballack Confirms 'Miracle Cures' Will Not Get Him To World Cup 2010

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has reiterated that there is no chance of his playing for Germany at the World Cup finals in South Africa.

There had been reports that he was set to undergo 'wonder treatments' for the ankle injury he sustained in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth.

Last week Ballack revealed that there was no possibility that he could feature for Joachim Loew's squad this summer and he has confirmed once again that there was never any chance of him travelling.

"A few wonder-healers have contacted me, but I don't believe in miracles," he said on Germany's ZDF television.

"The World Cup is forgotten.

"I have a fantastic doctor whom I trust wholeheartedly. It would be defying nature to treat a torn ligament differently - there is no chance."

Ballack, who currently has 98 caps for his country, has no plans to call time on his international career though.

"I will be back," he affirmed.

Jose Mourinho Makes Chelsea Defender Ashley Cole His Top Target To Join Him At Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho will make Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole his top target when he leaves Inter Milan to take over at Real Madrid this summer.

The former Blues boss is anticipating completing a move to the Bernabeu on Monday when he meets with Real president Florentino Perez.

The ‘Special One’ hopes to bring Cole and Inter right-back Maicon with him to Madrid next season, according to the Daily Mail.

The England international, who Mourinho brought to Chelsea from Arsenal four years ago, is valued at about £25 million.

Cole returned to action late in the campaign after breaking his ankle in February and helped Chelsea secure a Double this season.

The 29-year-old has four years remaining on his £100,000-a-week contract at Chelsea and the Blues will fight to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Michael Ballack Set For New Contract Talks At Chelsea This Week

Michael Ballack is set to hold talks with Chelsea about a possible new contract, according to a report from German daily Bild.

The German international, who has been ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining an ankle injury in the Blues' FA Cup final win over Portsmouth, has made no secret of his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge.

His current deal is set to expire very shortly though, and there has been reported interest in him from his homeland, with Schalke 04 apparently keen on securing his services.

According to the report, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will this week hold discussions with the player, who scored four goals in 38 games during the Blues' Double-winning campaign.

Ancelotti Hopes To Complete Summer Move For Bojan

Chelsea will reportedly attempt to sign Barcelona youngster Bojan this summer. Carlo Ancelotti is looking to spend big in order to bring some more young talent to Stamford Bridge and has earmarked a move for the Spanish international.

Pepe Guardiola has attempted to inject more youth into his Nou Camp side but whereas the likes of Pedro and Sergio Busquets have been handed more first team football this season 19 year old Bojan has found his time in the starting eleven limited.

With the arrival of David Villa and emergence of Pedro, the teenager may well feel the time is right to leave the Catalan giants even though he is much loved by the clubs fans he could well see a move to the Premier League as the best way to ensure his career progression is not stuttered warming the bench. Giovani dos Santos felt the need to make a similar move two years ago, and whilst his time in the Premier League was problematic, Bojan is a cut above the Mexican and could be ready to jump straight into the Chelsea first team if he did indeed make such a move.

Given that Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are both over 30 years of age and with Daniel Sturridge still very rough around the edges a move for the young striker may well make a great deal of sense.

Chelsea & Arsenal To Step Up Pursuit Of Barcelona Youngster Gai Assulin

Chelsea and Arsenal are both interested in signing Israeli starlet Gai Assulin from Barcelona, according to a report from Spanish daily Sport.

The attacking midfielder made his debut for his national team at the age of 16 and has been tipped for a major future on the world stage.

However, first team opportunities at Camp Nou have become limited and the 19-year-old's contract is set to expire soon, making him available on a free transfer.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to add fresh legs to an ageing midfield at Stamford Bridge, whilst the Gunners had been linked with the player earlier in the season.

Chelsea Eye Cut Price Darijo Srna As Shakhtar Donetsk Prepare To Cash In On £20m-rated Croatia Defender

Shakhtar Donetsk are deciding whether to cash in on Chelsea target Darijo Srna as the captain of the Ukainian champions enters the final year of his £65,000-a-week contract.

The Blues made a move for the Croatia right back last summer only to be put off by a hefty £20million valuation and were also rebuffed in January.

But faced with the prospect of losing him for nothing next summer, Shakhtar are deciding make cash in on the 28-year-old for a more reasonable fee.

'I'll find out if I'm moving to another club in the next 10 days,' said Srna. 'I wouldn't be upset if I stay in Donetsk, but I want to try my hand at another level.'

Doubts remain over the Stamford Bridge futures of Portugal pair Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Fereirra, while Juliano Belletti has played his last game for the club.

Branislav Ivanovic was voted the best right-back in the Barclays Premier League by his fellow professionals but would prefer to play at centre half.

Bayern Munich are also interested in Srna, while Vedran Corluka has urged Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp to enter the bidding.

His agent Damir Stimac said: 'If Shakhtar want to complete a successful transfer of Darijo to one of Europe's top clubs, it would be best to do so this summer. He will be happy to remain in Donetsk or have the opportunity to play in the top league.'

Fabio Capello Must Use Joe Cole's Magic Feet For England

It was nice of Graeme Le Saux to speak up for his mate. Allow me to join the chorus of approval for Joe Cole. There must be a place for Cole when Fabio Capello names his World Cup 23 next week.

Le Saux is biased, of course. He spoke of Cole's talent and the need to use his inclusion in the initial squad of 30 to drive his case home. I disagree. Cole has been making his case from the moment he laced a boot.

Capello has two genuine No 10s in his squad. One is Wayne Rooney. The other is Cole. Ten is football's magic number, the shirt managers throw to the men who can make a difference, to players not bound by convention, who see the pass and the gap that others do not, in whose imaginations a different game plays out.

The news coming out of Austria ahead of tonight's fixture against Mexico was that Capello is flush with new thought, that Rooney is to slip anchor and replicate his club role at the point of the attack supported by Steven Gerrard. This is to be welcomed and adds even more weight to Cole's case. If Rooney is to be a lone striker in a more advanced position, the need for magic feet to operate behind at some point in a match is met by Cole.

The champagne moment of 2006 – and there weren't many, on the pitch at least – was Cole's strike against Sweden, a masterful dispatch that drew awed gasps. Cole sent the ball on its way with the kind of geometry few can trace. He has it in him to change the course of a match, not necessarily from the start, rather to make an impact when legs are tiring and the game is stretched.

Capello is committed to a starting line-up that precludes Cole's inclusion, whichever formation he chooses. The coupling of Gerrard and Frank Lampard is seen as inviolable, despite the tension that remains in that dynamic. Capello has inched closer than any to a compromise that frees both to duplicate their club roles, but since they fill essentially the same slot at Liverpool and Chelsea, their impact with England is never quite what it is in the Premier League.

There would be some irony were Cole to be excluded by a coach hired to add continental sophistication to a yeoman template. There is a well established English distrust at international level of mercurial feet that reaches all the way back to Sir Alf Ramsey, the World Cup reference point that Capello is seeking to match. Ramsey famously left out Jimmy Greaves for Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final, placing his trust in utilitarian values rather than art. Victory validated his choice and snuffed out the argument for decades.

In one sense, Ramsey's high point may have done more harm than good, for it serves as the eternal justification for the selection of willing legs over creativity. Selection is, of course, never that simple. The coach is required to blend a multiplicity of qualities. However, the list of high-class victims is too long to dismiss entirely the idea that Roundhead thinking has held England back.

I waged war in the playground on behalf of Sheffield United's Tony Currie, who was persistently overlooked in the Seventies. Alan Hudson was another talented playmaker considered ill-fitted for international demands. Shamefully Curry was capped only 17 times, Hudson just twice. Their exclusion explains in part why England failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1974 and 1978. That, and in 1973 a Polish goalkeeper called Jan Tomaszewski.

Glenn Hoddle's international career is one long lament over what might have been. His 53 caps short-changed, with the possible exception of Paul Gascoigne, England's greatest post-66 talent. When Spurs import Ossie Ardiles finally mastered English, one of the first questions he put to Hoddle was why he hadn't won 100 caps. Michel Platini said that had he been born French, Hoddle would have won 150. Johan Cruyff asked for his shirt after a Uefa Cup match at White Hart Lane. Plaudits do not come much higher than that.

Players such as Hoddle, Hudson, Currie and Cole need to be encouraged, to be told how brilliant they are, not to be told to tuck their shirts in, as Ron Greenwood once ordered Hoddle to do. The shirt out was the trigger that freed Hoddle's swagger, a subtle token that spoke of individualism, of romance, of creativity, attributes too often misunderstood in our game. Let's not see the trend continue with the suppression of Cole. Rooney escapes censure because he marries Cole's ability to classic English attributes, an iron will and indefatigable effort. Rooney is the first to acknowledge Cole's technical range. Capello must do likewise.

Le Saux Joins The Search

Graeme Le Saux believes the club's search for an Asian soccer star is going to reap some impressive rewards this weekend.

As many youngsters with Asian backgrounds prepare to take part in this weekend's event at our Cobham training ground, former Blue Le Saux is excited by the prospect.

'We're creating a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see what the club has to offer,' said Le Saux, 'and it's on the bank holiday weekend so it's going to be great and a full house.

'Last year there were two players who achieved professional contracts and the turnout was phenomenal.

'So this year we are just saying, come along, experience it, enjoy the facilities, and if you're good enough there's a chance you could come and join the Academy.'

It's any young footballer's dream to become part of the Chelsea youth system and this weekend aspiring players from the Asian community will be judged on a series of matches and tests.

Each test is designed specifically by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability.

Players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds between the ages of eight and 13 will take part in this weekend's initiative, as six lucky players strive for the chance of winning a week-long trial with the Blues.

The initiative is the first of its kind ever undertaken by a professional football club and is designed to give a much needed boost to Asian participation at all levels of the game.

Last year's initiative saw 350 young people attending the Cobham training ground and the three winning players training and turning out for Chelsea teams during the summer. Two of last year's winners have since gone to be signed by Leyton Orient and Southend.

'We are the first club to create this specific opportunity and it's great,' added Le Saux.

'It was so successful last year; the rewards and the energy that went into it were phenomenal, now we want it to be as successful this year.'

Chelsea Football Club's Search for an Asian Soccer Star campaign is delighted to have signed up leading Asian Channel Zee TV as a supporter of the campaign.

'Being a pioneer in showcasing new young talent, Zee is committed to initiatives that allow Asian youth an opportunity to perform at a national level. Zee is proud to support Chelsea's Asian Soccer Star program and hopes more of the country's leading clubs follow with similar schemes. This is undoubtedly a commendable program and Zee will do what it can to encourage its young stars,' said Govind Shahi, business head, Zee Europe.

Head of CSR at Chelsea Simon Taylor said: 'It's fantastic news that Zee TV have agreed to support the campaign and we welcome them on board.

'For a leading channel like Zee to sign up to the campaign shows how far the Asian Soccer Star program has progressed in just one year and we look forward to repeating the success of last year.'

Frank Lampard Pays Tribute To Avram Grant

Frank Lampard has paid tribute to former boss Avram Grant for kick-starting his career and helping turn him into a Double winner with Chelsea.

Grant was controversially appointed boss at Stamford Bridge in September 2007 and faced the almost impossible job of replacing the Special One, Jose Mourinho.

Lampard admits he was going through a difficult period in his career at the time and thanks Grant for reinventing him for both club and country.

He said: “I’ll be honest. It was a little bit messy when Jose Mourinho left and Avram took over. But he managed to steer us to a Champions League final.

“He’s now managed to reach another final with Portsmouth and, in the circumstances they were in, he managed to create a positive atmosphere around the place.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Avram. He was brilliant with me. He was at Chelsea at a very difficult time for me personally and he was a top man in those times.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from him. Some people look down on his time at Chelsea because he came from nowhere to take the job.

“But I’ve got nothing but nice things to say about him.”

Lampard knows too from that single season he had working with Grant that the Israeli will be a huge success at his next club West Ham.

He said: “He’s a good manager. He’s not a coach who stands and dictates every training session.

“But as a person he’s a very clever man and he’s good with people. He’s diplomatic and I think in bad moments you need someone who can bring things together.

“He’s the perfect man to speak to people individually and sort things out.

“He did that at Chelsea and, with hindsight, it’s much easier to see the results which came from him doing that.”

Lampard Backs Hot Cole To Fire

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole could provide England with the star turn they need to triumph at the World Cup.

Cole was named in Fabio Capello's 30-man provisional squad for the tournament in South Africa but it is uncertain whether he will make the final cut.

Seven players have yet to be trimmed by the Italian supremo and Cole's place in the final party could be under threat after a frustrating season at Stamford Bridge.

Despite finding form towards the end of the campaign, the winger has been blighted by injury problems and used mainly as a substitute by Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti.

But fellow midfielder Lampard says his former West Ham colleague deserves a place on merit, and that the player will be fresher going into the tournament after being out of the side.

Lampard said in the Sunday Mirror: "I hope Joe will be in the squad because he is my mate and he is a great player. He is the sort of player who gives a team something different.

"Even though he has not played that many minutes this season, there is an argument to say that makes him fresh and more dangerous.

"Joe has that little bit of magic, that little turn of pace and ability to beat a man that make all the difference.

"Not many people can bring that to a team in top-class international football but he has it, so I hope he makes it because he deserves that."

Lampard also reckons Cole's contribution in helping Chelsea win the league and cup Double will mean he has the momentum behind him to cause England's opponents problems.

He added: "Maybe that will give us a little edge, having Joe so fresh. It can't harm any of the Chelsea players to be going to the World Cup full of so much confidence after winning the Double.

"Even Joe, who has been coming on for 20 minutes or half-an-hour in games, has been looking sharp."

Cole may no longer be playing with Lampard following the World Cup as the 28-year-old is out of contract and could be free to move on in a free transfer.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are said to be keen on capturing his signature but Lampard hopes Cole remains in London.

"I don't know if he will stay at Chelsea, that is completely up to him, but Chelsea want him to stay," said the 31-year-old. "He has been a great player for us and we hope he will stay."

Chelsea Set To Spark Bidding War For Milner

Chelsea are reportedly set to enter the race for England and Aston Villa ace James Milner.

The versatile midfielder was the subject of a £20million bid from Manchester City earlier in the week, and Roberto Mancini is now believed to be willing to add a player to his offer.

Chelsea bosses have now set their sights on Milner, however, and, mindful of how they lost out on Robinho to City two years ago, now seem poised to spark a summer bidding war for his services.

A Chelsea insider reportedly said: "Losing out to City for Robinho was embarrassing at the time, even if it did turn out to be a lucky escape.

"But we are determined to get our man this time and we are very confident it will happen."

Ribery Snubs Chelsea And Man United To Sign Monster Contract At Bayern Munich

French winger Franck Ribery is set to finally end speculation surrounding a move to the Premier League by signing a massive new contract at Bayern Munich.

Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with the controversial star but sources in Germany claim Ribery will sign a mega-deal worth a reported £130,000 a week after tax following Saturday night's Champions League final.

Ribery is expected to confirm his decision to stay at the Allianz Arena for another four years - and become the highest-paid player in Bundesliga history - when Bayern parade their season's silverware in Munich on Sunday.

Chelsea Tipped To Beat Manchester City In The Race For Sergio Aguero

A report in Spanish newspaper Marca claims today that Chelsea will beat Manchester City to the signing of Atletico Madrid striker for around 45 million euros.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has targeted Aguero, but will face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Aguero’s termination clause at Atletico Madrid is 60 million euros plus VAT but the executive committee of the Europa League winners will likely settle for less and will not sell to local rivals Real Madrid.

The Argentine striker is attracted to Chelsea’s participation in the Champions League next season and would boost Carlo Ancelotti’s intention to freshen up the squad.

Manchester City could though trump the Blues with an offer that is closer to Aguero’s release clause.

Chelsea Set To Bid £20m For Liverpool Midfielder Mascherano

Liverpool midfield hard-man Javier Mascherano could be on his way to Chelsea if Carlo Ancelotti has his way.

The Chelsea boss is prepared to bid £20million for the Argentine to strengthen his midfield, The People reported on Sunday.

Contract negotiations between Mascherano and the Anfield outfit have stalled, and although he had reportedly been holding out for a transfer to Barcelona, the La Liga champions’ bid to secure the services of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas has dented the Argentine’s hopes of playing at the Nou Camp.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is keen to keep Mascherano, but a significant transfer fee will be difficult to turn down.

The midfielder made 47 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League and European competition last season, scoring one goal and picking up 11 yellow cards. His contract is up in two years.

Chelsea are expected to boost their midfield this summer with the exits of Michael Ballack , Joe Cole and Deco on the cards.

Joe Cole Closing In On Spurs Switch

Tottenham are closing in on England midfield star Joe Cole, who has yet to agree a new contract with Chelsea and will be available on a free transfer.

He has been frustrated by the lack of progress in talks over a new deal and is aware of Tottenham’s interest.

Cole knows a move to White Hart Lane would be hard for Chelsea fans to accept, but has always held Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp in high regard.

It was Redknapp who have Cole his debut as a teenager at West Ham.

Chelsea Eye £26m Tottenham Midfielder Luka Modric

Chelsea are about to launch a £26million bid for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.

Connections of the 24-year-old Croatia midfielder have been in London this week for discussions with his club aimed at sounding out his future at White Hart Lane.

But he has emerged as a top target for the newly-crowned Double winners with manager Carlo Ancelotti, backed by director of football Frank Arnesen, acutely aware of the need to bring in younger blood if they are to maintain their place at the top of English football.

Another important factor is Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's determination to win the Champions League, an ambition he is prepared to support by slugging it out with Manchester City in what will be a multi-million pound transfer battle this summer.

Both clubs have made no secret of their desire to sign Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Modric suffered after being switched to a deep-lying role by managerial flop Juande Ramos after a £16.5million move to Spurs in the summer of 2008 and it was only after the Spaniard's successor Harry Redknapp utilized his passing and vision in a more attacking role that the Croat and Spurs blossomed.

Now the Spurs boss looks likely to get the call he dreads - when Chelsea come knocking for Modric.

John Barnes: Joe Cole Should Be Guaranteed A Spot In The World Cup Squad

John Barnes reckons Joe Cole is guaranteed a spot in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.

The Chelsea star has struggled with injuries all season and was thought to be at risk of not even making England’s 30-man training squad.

The Italian has to cut that number by seven by June 1 – and Cole is sweating on making the plane.

But Barnes, who won 79 caps for England, has told Cole that his experience will see him get the nod to play an important role in South Africa.

Barnes, speaking at an event organised by England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society, said: “Joe will be in the 23-man squad. He has struggled with injuries this season and hasn’t had the impact he has had in previous years.

“But he is still a fantastic player and will be in the squad – though he possibly won’t be in the starting XI.

“To have a player of Joe’s quality and experience – and he is a very experienced player – is what England need.”

And Barnes reckons Cole, 28, can reform the left-sided partnership with namesake Ashley Cole that worked so well in Germany four years ago.

“Look at what Joe did in the last World Cup and you will see it was a great success,” explained the former Liverpool and Watford winger.

“That was because Ashley is probably the best attacking left-back in the world, so we don’t necessarily need an out-and-out winger there.

“Joe has played there and it has worked with him coming inside and Ashley going outside him.”

And Barnes has backed Jermain Defoe, 27, to shine in South Africa as he believes the Tottenham striker is the best natural goalscorer England have.

“I love Defoe and I think he is the best natural finisher England have, better even than Wayne Rooney,” said Barnes of a player who has scored just twice in his last 13 games for club and country.

“Rooney is an all-round player, he plays wide, he can drop short, whereas as a No.9 Jermain is the one you know will put the ball in the back of the net.”

Mourinho's Tears For Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has revealed he cried after Inter Milan knocked Chelsea out of the UEFA Champions League and now wants to see Massimo Moratti shed tears of joy.

Inter are preparing for Saturday's Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Madrid having knocked out Mourinho's former club Chelsea earlier in the competition.

Mourinho masterminded a 1-0 win in the second leg of the last 16 tie at Stamford Bridge and admits he was overcome with emotion at the end of the game.

"At Stamford Bridge I cried because during the 90 minutes I wasn't thinking that I was playing against friends, but after the game I realised that my friends were out of the competition," he reflected.

"But that was crucial for Inter, without that victory we wouldn't be here today - it was a difficult emotional situation."

Success in the Santiago Bernabeu would crown Inter champions of Europe for the first time in 45 years and it is a trophy Mourinho is determined to win for the club's owner Moratti.

He added: "Defeat or victory, it will be unforgettable, but Moratti is a very special person for me.

"I would love to see him cry (with joy), I would love to see him with the cup in his hands, I would love to see him in a picture next to his father; I would love to give my little contribution to help make that happen."

Mourinho continued: "45 years is 45 years - it's a long time.

"Many of Inter's fans cannot remember that far back and many were not even born when the club last won the European Cup.

"The Champions League final is always important and you want to win it even if you won it last year, but I imagine that for these fans it will be even more special after such a long wait."

Grant Rejected Abramovich Offer To Make Shock Chelsea Return

Avram Grant has rejected a shock return to Chelsea.

The Daily Mail says Grant has rejected Roman Abramovich's invitation to return to Chelsea despite being offered more money than he stands to earn as manager of West Ham.

Grant has snubbed the director of football role he occupied at Stamford Bridge before replacing Jose Mourinho as manager in September 2007.

Despite being sacked by Abramovich two years ago after Chelsea missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester United before losing on penalties to Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the Champions League final, Grant remains close to the Russian billionaire.

Abramovich was prepared to top the £1.3million a year West Ham are offering Grant to replace Gianfranco Zola.

But Grant has opted to remain in the dug-out rather than take another behind-the-scenes post.

Yaya Toure Has Almost Made Up His Mind To Leave Barcelona For Chelsea

The future of Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure continues to be the subject of much discussion, and the Ivorian's agent has now stoked the flames after he revealed that his client has almost made his mind up to leave.

With the likes of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita ahead of Toure in Pep Guardiola's pecking order, Dmitri Seluk believes that the best move for all concerned is to allow the 27-year-old to leave for the Premier League.

"If Chelsea want Yaya and everyone wins with this deal, why not?" the agent told the Daily Mirror.

"This last season, Toure has not played regularly and Pep Guardiola has preferred Busquets or Keita instead of him.

"If he prefers Busquets and Keita, then the best thing for Toure is to leave for Chelsea. He has made up his mind 90 per cent to leave."

In addition to the new English champions, Toure has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal as part of a deal that would take Cesc Fabregas back to Catalunya. It has been reported that the midfielder was unwilling to make the move, but his representative insists that Toure is not digging his heels in over a transfer.

"He has a good salary here but he doesn't want to earn money here and fall asleep on the bench. Some players would accept that situation. Not him. If he leaves, Barca will then understand what they will lose."

Manchester City Leave Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres To Champions League Heavyweights Chelsea And Barcelona

Manchester City have left Barcelona and Chelsea to fight for the £70 million signature of Fernando Torres after their failure to secure Champions League football.

The big-spending outfit has the resources to go toe-to-toe with their rivals due to owner Sheikh Mansour's bottomless wealth. According to The Guardian, important figures within the club have acknowledged that the lack of top-level European football has dropped them out of the running to prise the Spaniard from Liverpool.

City finished in fifth place in the Premier League last season after they targeted a top-four finish. Torres is understood to only be prepared to leave Merseyside for one of Europe's traditional elite.

Blues Keen On Kaka Swoop - Report

Chelsea is hopeful of signing Real Madrid playmaker Kaka in a cut-price summer deal, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Blues chief Carlo Ancelotti, who has just won the Double in his first season in English football, worked with the Brazilian star during their time together at AC Milan.

The 28-year-old moved to Madrid in a £68.5million deal last summer but had a quiet first season in La Liga and has been tipped to move on.

Despite his amazing first season at Stamford Bridge Ancelotti is not resting on his laurels and is ready to bolster his squad, but whether central midfield is an area he needs to strengthen is debatable.

Michael Essien will be like a new signing next season, while Jon Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack have all performed superbly at different points of the season.

Chelsea Villain Tom Henning Ovrebo To Quit International Refereeing

Controversial Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has quit international refereeing after he was ignored for the upcoming World Cup.

Ovrebo, 43, received death threats in 2008 when he denied Chelsea several penalty shouts in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona.

He continued to court headlines in this year's competition, when he allowed a Miroslav Klose goal in the first leg quarter-final meeting between Bayern Munich and Fiorentina to stand when the striker was clearly offside and then later declined to send the same player off for a dangerous tackle.

Speaking to Reuters today, he insisted his retirement after officiating 23 matches in Europe's top club tournament, plus numerous internationals was "no big drama", as next year he would have been over UEFA's age limit.

"This is based on signals Norway's Football Association got from UEFA about prospects for further assignments," Ovrebo said.

"Some will remember me for the Chelsea-Barcelona game in particular, but I can live well with that."

Youth Internationals: Borini On Target

Fabio Borini was on target to help Italy Under-19s to victory in the first game of a European Championship qualification tournament.

Italy beat Czech Republic 2-0 on Friday despite playing for over 30 minutes with 10 men. A Jacopo Sala cross led to the opening goal in the first half before Borini doubled the lead 15 minutes from the end with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Sala played the first-half; Borini was subbed on 78 minutes.

Italy faces Northern Ireland on Sunday and then host-nation Russia on Wednesday.

Chelsea youth products Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah were part of the England Under-17 team that ensured a place in the European Championship semi-finals with a win over Greece on Friday night.

A 1-0 victory in the second group game of the tournament in Liechenstein gave the young England side six points out of six. McEachran, playing behind the main striker, was typically creative while schoolboy defender Chalobah headed a corner just wide.

England's final group game is against Turkey on Monday with the semi-final on Thursday.

Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt have both been in action for the Dutch Under 19 side in two matches against Portugal. The first resulted in a 3-1 defeat; the second match, in which Van Aanholt only played the first half, ended goalless.

Charity Pitch Events Raise Vital Funds

Stamford Bridge played host to our national and global charity partners this week as they held separate football tournaments on the hallowed turf.

On Wednesday afternoon, Help a London Child held a five-a-side tournament on the pitch before the winners went on to play an 11-a-side match for the cup.

The competition was called Capital Kicks and Capital Radio's Breakfast Show host and life-long Chelsea fan Jonny Vaughan came along to show his support.

'Thank you very much to all the teams who took part,' said Vaughan, 'it was all in aid of our charity Help a London Child.

'There was loads of enthusiasm, we raised loads of money and it was a cracking day.'

The cup final pitted Capital/LBC, managed by Ron 'Chopper' Harris, and The Independent, managed by Scott Minto, against one another. Minto's side The Independent (pictured) won a tense encounter by a single goal.

'I just told them to go out and enjoy it. Don't try to be the hero and take on 10 people, you're all in it together so play as a team,' said the triumphant Minto.

Then on Thursday the club's global charity partner Right To Play also held a football tournament at Stamford Bridge.

The international charity held a World Cup-type of tournament for the fourth year and raised a phenomenal amount of money.

'We set up a World Cup tournament where teams don't represent Argentina and England which is the standard World Cup tournament format, we represent Liberia, Lebanon, Rwanda and so on,' said Mike Emery, director of Right To Play.

'Teams pay to take part, they are proud of the country they represent and last year we had a final that was Sierra Leone versus Rwanda, which is never going to happen in modern football.

'This year we have raised £125,000 which is great. This is the fourth year running and it has raised almost £100,000 every year so it is a really good event for us and the money is distributed to our projects around the world,' added Emery.

One person taking part in the Right To Play World Cup was Parkour founder Sébastien Foucan, who starred in the James Bond film Casino Royale by using his skills of jumping and climbing to overcome most obstacles.

'I am here because I have been really involved with Right To Play for more than three years now and I try my best to be with them as much as I can to really help the kids in poor countries,' said Foucan.

'I feel it is the type of tournament when it is not really about the competition, it is about participation and I am really happy to be here.'

Chelsea Admit New Uefa Rules Will Change Transfer And Contract Policy

The Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has admitted the club will have to keep a close eye on spending and the club's wage structure in the light of the proposed Uefa plans to force clubs to balance their books.

The proposals will prevent clubs from spending more than they make from their revenues and aim to curb billionaire owners investing huge amounts of money. The new rules will be in place from the 2012-13 season and clubs could be thrown out of European competition if they do not abide by the regulations. However, Buck thinks that the rules concerning owner-investment are not particularly clear at present.

"We have looked very closely at the proposed rules and, starting now, we are going to have to be very careful on transfer fees and in salary renegotiation because having a positive profit and loss statement will be crucial in getting a Uefa licence and participating in the Champions League," said Buck. "Even if we wanted to spend more money we just won't be able to so we have to do what is necessary to comply with the new rules. In round terms your football income is going to have to equal your football expenses.

"I think personally it is very significantly different if a club gets money from its owner than a club going out and borrowing money from a bank, and I think the rules ought to take account of that. It is unclear at the moment whether they will.

"One of the problems that we see with the current formulation is that it is going to maintain the status quo. In other words, if owners cannot put money into their clubs then it is going to be very difficult for the club that is, say, at the bottom of the Premier League to work its way up to the top, or a club from the Championship to move into a respectable position in the Premier League. We don't think maintaining the status quo is right."

Meanwhile, Buck has reaffirmed there are no plans to move away from Stamford Bridge or increase its capacity which currently stands at around 42,000. The club is understood to be looking at naming rights for the stadium but that would, almost certainly, be a long-term deal over a 10-year period and with a high-profile, blue-chip investor.

"In this current economic environment it makes no sense for us to look at the possibility of a new stadium, spending that type of money," added Buck. "In terms of Stamford Bridge, it is possible we could find a way of increasing capacity by several thousand seats but it would be very expensive. You would only really do it to improve the atmosphere as opposed to improve the financial situation regarding match-day revenue.

"Also it is unclear how digital media development will affect live crowds 10 years from now. When you are going to be able to watch the match on your wrist watch, is that not going to impact on attendances? We don't really know.

"So because of all those factors, we don't think this is the right time to look at expanding Stamford Bridge or build a new stadium, but what we do have to do is look at new income sources and one of those as everyone knows is naming rights.

"We have a project for that and chief executive Ron Gourlay is doing a darn good job with that. Hopefully in the not too distant future we will have something that makes sense for a sponsor and makes sense for Chelsea and our fans."