World Cup Ace Hints At Blues Move

Chelsea are being linked with a move for Mesut Ozil and the Germany World Cup ace has hinted at a move to England.

The 21-year-old has been one of the star performers at the World Cup so far as Germany have progressed to the quarter-finals and it comes as no surprise to see him being linked with a move away from Werder Bremen.

Chelsea are thought to be in the hunt and the midfielder admits he would be tempted at a move to Stamford Bridge once Germany's participation in the tournament is over.

"The World Cup is all that matters at the moment," he revealed. "When I get back we can think about my future, but for now it's not something I want to give a lot of thought to. To the top players the Premier League is attractive.

"You look at what Manchester United and Chelsea have achieved over the last five years and you see it would be easy to be successful at two clubs like that.

"I see what Michael Ballack achieved at Chelsea and the quality of players he played with and the temptation becomes obvious. Trophies are what matters to me. There are two teams in England always at the top and of course that's attractive. But the same is true for La Liga.

"They're the strongest leagues in the world."

Peterborough Swoop For Chelsea Free Transfer

Peterborough have claimed a major scoop with the capture of young defender Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi from Chelsea on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old attracted a host of suitors having, but Gary Johnson came out on top and persuaded the youngster to pen a three-year deal at London Road.

The Posh boss told the club's official website: "He is a strong lad, a quality player and is a fantastic inclusion to our squad. He has a good future ahead of him.

"He can play right-back, left-back, in midfield, at centre-half - even though he is not the biggest - and I think he is a player for all positions."

Former Chelsea Midfielder Joe Cole Likely To Remain In England

Joe Cole's agent, David Giess, has poured cold water on a potential move to AC Milan, maintaining that he is still trying to work out a way in which his client can play for a Premier League club.

The midfielder has been linked with a number of moves having become a free agent after running his contract down at Chelsea, and there had been speculation that the Italian club were in line to offer him the chance to perform in Serie A.

However, the 28-year-old's representative has labelled that as "pure press speculation" while conceding that it is unlikely that the former West Ham United player would move away from England.

In the meantime, however, Giess has maintained that Cole's priority is to join a club that will compete in the Champions League next season.

"Football is the most important thing to Joe and continuing to play in the Champions League is high on his priorities," he told ESPNSoccernet.

Demichelis Has A Dig At Terry

Defender Martin Demichelis claims he would not be able to return to Argentina if he plays as badly against Germany as John Terry did last weekend.

Argentina and Germany are preparing to meet in the quarter-finals of the World Cup having eliminated Mexico and the Three Lions, respectively.

Germany cruised past England after a 4-1 win over Fabio Capello's side and Terry has come in for criticism following his unimpressive defensive performance.

Argentina and Germany have been exchanging fierce words ahead of Saturday's match but they have also both been taking swipes at England, and Demichelis has ripped into Terry.

The Argentina centre-back said of the Chelsea captain: "Seeing the way Terry played against Germany, if I was Terry I wouldn't be able to go back to my country.

"I'm strong but I'm not a masochist so I don't read every criticism about me.

"I know that when the team is playing well there are always people who look for a weakness, for example me, but I know I can overcome this bad moment."

Rumours Of Rift Between Steven Gerrard & John Terry Within England's World Cup 2010 Camp Ruled Out

England stars Steven Gerrard and John Terry did not have a falling out over issues relating to their private lives at the World Cup, according to several newspaper reports.

Internet rumours have spread in the wake of the Three Lions' exit from the World Cup that the pair headed opposing factions in the England camp at the tournament.

Terry's public expression of unhappiness at a press conference during the campaign was reported to have angered Gerrard and his Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher, with rumours of a wider split between Liverpool and Chelsea players also appearing.

There was apparently a confrontation between the two relating to remarks later made by Gerrard about Terry's comments at the press conference undermining team morale.

Gerrard is also believed to have been unhappy at what he perceived as Terry's attempts to undermine him as skipper.

However, according to a number of tabloid newspapers, the issue did not relate to the private lives of the players and they have subsequently spoken about the situation and are keen to dismiss the rumours as mere speculation.

My Favourite Games: John Terry

The latest in our series of player memories sees the captain recall two of Chelsea's most famous European nights, one in which he starred and the other which he watched as a starry-eyed youth team member.

Favourite game played:

John Terry scored the final goal in his favourite game played but that probably isn't the only reason he ranks the fixture so high on his list of greats.

When Chelsea hosted Barcelona in the Champions League second leg back in 2005, a fixture of truly epic proportions unfolded in front of the home fans.

It all began with the Blues securing a three-goal lead over one of the greatest sides in world football, a side who boasted names including Ronaldhino, Samuel Eto'o, Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes and the eventual Blue Juliano Belletti.

Eidur Gudjohnsen struck first, Frank Lampard added the second and Damien Duff made it three, all inside the opening 20 minutes, but before half-time arrived, Ronaldhino returned twice for the visitors.

The first was a penalty, the second was a phenomenal flick from the edge of the box, but it was all the Catalan club could muster and when Terry headed home a Duff corner in the second half, our place in the semi-finals was sealed.

'Beating Barcelona 4-2 in the Champions League five years ago really stands out,' explains the Chelsea captain.

'We played some brilliant football and ripped them apart at times, then to score the winner was a special one, but it was just a great team performance.'

Favourite game watched:

Around 20,000 fans travelled to Sweden to see the match Terry considers top of his list for favourite games watched.

After FA Cup domination during the 1996/97 season, which ended with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in the final, Chelsea made our way to the Cup Winners' Cup Final the following season.

It took a 4-0 thumping of Slovan Bratislava, followed by a 9-4 win over Tromso and a 5-2 triumph over Real Betis in the quarter-finals to get there.

The final game before the meeting with Stuttgart was a 3-2 win over Vincenza, while the German side won their place in the final with a 3-1 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow.

By the time Chelsea reached the tournament's ultimate game, the feeling inside the Chelsea camp was one of excitement.

And why not? Think of the line up. There was Ed de Goey in goal and Dan Petrescu, Frank Leboeuf and Steve Clarke were just three of the names in defence.

The Chelsea midfield boasted Dennis Wise, Roberto Di Matteo and Gustavo Poyet while Tore Andre Flo and Gianluca Vialli headed the attack.

It was always going to be a great game from Chelsea's perspective, and the above names don't even include the winning goalscorer, Gianfranco Zola.

In fact, Zola didn't come on until the 71st minute and scored with what was practically his first touch, feeding off a Wise through ball to seal Chelsea's first European trophy since 1971.

For a young Terry, who watched from the sidelines as an Academy player, the memories are still strong.

'The Cup Winners' Cup Final in 1998, when Zola scored the winner, was great,' says Terry. 'I was there as part of the youth team and remember it well.'

Chelsea Primed For "Schweini" Bidding War

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is ready to step up his pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after reports in Germany revealed that Real Madrid have had a 50 million euro offer rejected by the Bundesliga champions.

The Stamford Bridge club is keen on the German international with Carlo Ancelotti placing the all-round midfielder at the top of his summer transfer shortlist, along with Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, and Argentine Sergio Aguero. The Chelsea manager is eager to land Schweinsteiger after losing out on signing David Silva, who completed a reported £26 million move to Manchester City; however the Blues face stiff competition from Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.

According to German TV channel ARD, former Chelsea boss and current Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had a 50 million euro offer for Schweinsteiger turned down by the Bayern Munich hierarchy. Chelsea have not made an official offer as of yet but Bayern are aware of Carlo Ancelotti’s interest in the talented German international. With Bayern standing firm reports in Spain suggest that former Blues boss Jose Mourinho goes head on with current Chelsea incumbent Carlo Ancelotti in the race to sign the player nicknamed “Shweini.”

At this moment in time Bayern Munich have a clear “hands off” stance, with manager Louis Van Gaal eager to keep his prized assets in Munich, warding off interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

"I Now Want To Represent A Big Club"

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko has urged the club to allow him to leave amid rumours Manchester City have made a lucrative offer for the Bosnian international. The 23-year-old has been coveted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti for some time, by City’s superior financial muscle appears to have given Roberto Mancini the edge over his Premier League counterparts.

Dzeko has a £32.5 million buyout clause but according to recent reports, the prolific striker’s glut of suitors including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been unwilling to match Wolfsburg’s lofty valuation, and indeed Manchester City are reportedly eager to get the Bundesliga club to sell for less having already agreed personal terms with the long-term Premier League target.

Dzeko has been in blistering form for the last two seasons, netting a hugely impressive 48 league goals, and last summer the striker was embroiled in another protracted transfer wrangle when rumours suggested Manchester United and Arsenal were vying for his signature. Despite strong intent from the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Roberto Mancini, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and Arsene Wenger, Wolfsburg have defiantly resisted any efforts to prise the player away the club, and at the beginning of the week they told Manchester City that they have no intention of selling their star asset.

Although Wolfsburg’s strong stance has appeared to deter Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea with Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti all seemingly unwilling to match or better the Bundesliga side’s lucrative demands, Manchester City are believed to be maintaining a stout interest in the Bosnian. Yesterday, reports from Germany suggested City had returned with a new offer, and the player this morning urged Wolfsburg to consider selling him.

The striker told kicker-Sport magazine: "I now want to represent a big club so I can develop further,"

"This has now become my big desire. I hope and I believe VfL will let me leave now.”

"I am aware of the clauses in my contract, but I have already said that this point in time would be too early. It is too early for other clubs.”

"Now I have received a good offer I have to talk about it with the manager and the managing director."

Carvalho Close To Chelsea Exit

Ricardo Carvalho is expected to move to Inter Milan now the Chelsea player's World Cup dream is over.

The Portuguese centre half was linked with a move to Italy last summer, but back then Inter president Massimo Moratti baulked at Chelsea's asking price.

Although two years are left to run on Carvalho's contract at Stamford Bridge, talks are expected to recommence once Carvalho has unpacked his bags from the trip to South Africa.

The Blues' reluctance to release young defender Michael Mancienne to Wolves is clear evidence of a shake-up in their back-four. Mancienne, a favourite of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, featured in 30 league games for the Wanderers as part of a loan deal last season.

But McCarthy has expressed frustration that Chelsea dragged their feet over negotiations to make the deal permanent.

The Wolves boss said: "I’ve been asked about Michael Mancienne, but we’ve done business and signed a centre-half in Steven Mouyokolo.

"I can’t hang around waiting for decisions that might be negative ones. I could lose the ones that I’ve been looking at so I don’t know what will happen with that one (Mancienne)."

Chelsea are understood to want to keep the England Under-21 man as defensive back-up, with Carvalho on his way out. Chelsea are not immediately expected to sign a Carvalho's replacement, and will go into the season with John Terry and Alex as the first choice pairing, with Mancienne and youth prospect Jeffrey Bruma as cover.

Deco Set To Finalise Future

Fluminense are planning to unveil the signing of Deco later this month.

Deco has a year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, but the 32-year-old midfielder has made little secret of his desire to move back to his homeland.

The Brazilian-born Portuguese international has been waiting until the end of the World Cup before finalising the details.

Now with Portugal out, he is negotiating the final details of his release - but Fluminense are already planning to unveil his signing on July 15.

"If Chelsea let me go, I have given Fluminense my word - although I have not signed any pre-contract," Deco is quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

"If I finish my time in London, then I will go to play in Brazil."

It is understood Deco will sign an 18-month deal with Fluminense.

Agent Hints At Serie A Move For Joe Cole

England international midfielder Joe Cole could join a club in the Italian top flight this summer, according to his agent.

Cole was released by Premier League champions Chelsea at the end of the 2009-10 campaign and the 28-year-old has yet to sign a contract with another club. However, there has been interest in the player from some Serie A clubs, according to his agent.

"For now, there isn't anything new to report. Joe has returned from South Africa and will now go on holiday," David Geiss has been quoted by Eurosport as saying.

“There are always clubs interested… In around two to three weeks there will be some news.”

When asked about interest from Milan and Juventus, Geiss remarked, “They are possible deals and I confirm that we are not dealing with rubbish.”

Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that AC Milan were keen to rope in Cole by offering him a three-year contract worth £9 million.

David Beckham Cooled England 'War' Between Steven Gerrard & John Terry At World Cup 2010

David Beckham had to intervene in a row between Steven Gerrard and John Terry that threatened to split the England camp ahead of the Three Lions' defeat to Germany, according to a report from The Sun.

It is apparently believed that Gerrard, along with his Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher, were on one side of the split with Terry on the other.

The Reds duo were reportedly incensed that Terry had called the England players into a huddle after the game against Slovenia.

That was seen as a direct challenge to Gerrard's captaincy of the side, and the row had threatened to spill over until Beckham apparently stepped in as peacemaker.

The Sun claims that that was enough to diffuse the row, though it also hints that the matter may now fester on following England's somewhat shambolic exit from the tournament in South Africa.

Ashley Cole Receives Death Threats After England Defeat

Football fans across the nation have issued death threats to Ashley Cole after he told pals: “I hate England and the f***ing people!”

The Three Lions flop has become an even bigger hate figure after he posted the treacherous text message slamming his own countrymen.

And furious fans who stood by the love-rat defender through his divorce from Cheryl Cole have responded by saying: “If you hate it so much here then f*** off somewhere else.”

Others are so angry with Cole they even claimed they want to kill him.

Thousands of supporters across England have vowed to make the mega-bucks Chelsea star’s life hell if he stays in the Premier League.

But they are unlikely to get the chance as Cole, 29, is said to be on the verge of making a £25million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he will hook up with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, 47.

England’s loyal fans forked out a fortune to follow Cole and his team-mates across South Africa on their shambolic World Cup campaign.

But the ungrateful star, who leads a life of luxury and rakes in £110,000 a week, paid them back with his foul-mouthed rant.

Cole posted his offensive message on his BlackBerry to his online friends as his status update.

Later the pampered star tried to explain his comment by whimpering: “I always try my hardest for England and Chelsea but the intrusion and pressure I feel is making my life hell.”

But he got no sympathy on internet football forums yesterday.

One fan said: “Cashley don’t come back at least we the English people don’t have to see your ugly mug.”

Another added: “It is quite simple Cole, live abroad you odious little scrote.”

A number of fans also wrote sinister messages, including one who said: “I’d like to burn the little bastard to a crisp.”

Cole’s rant emerged a day after the shameless player was pictured with fellow defender Ledley King, 29, in fits of laughter following England’s humiliating 4-1 drubbing by the Germans.

Football Supporters’ Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke warned England’s stars they risk losing fans for good if they are seen enjoying themselves too much this summer.

He said: “In the light of the very poor performance of the England team at the World Cup and the large amounts of money which loyal fans spent following the team around South Africa, I think a period of silent reflection and humility would be good advice.

“A lot of fans are very committed to their country and the team and are quite rightly upset about what has happened.

“England needs to reflect on this.

“That includes the manager, the players and everyone else involved.”

Last night bookie William Hill was inundated with punters betting on Cole retaining his title of Most Hated Man In Britain.

He is 3-1 on to top the onepoll.com survey for the second year in a row after being dumped by wife Cheryl, 27, for cheating with a string of women.

He has been unpopular since releasing his 2006 biography when he complained that Arsenal’s offer of £55,000 a week was “taking the piss”.

Defensive Pair Inducted

The time has come to induct two more past players into our new Chelsea Legends section, and fans have voted for a long-serving defensive duo.

Between them they gave almost 30 years to Chelsea, each playing important roles in groundbreaking Stamford Bridge sides as we went from second division strugglers to Champions League contenders.

Steve Clarke joined in February 1987 as an attacking right-back, playing his last game in the Cup Winners' Cup Final of 1998 before returning to Chelsea as first a youth coach and then a reliable right-hand man to Jose Mourinho, and subsequently Avram Grant.

Carlo Cudicini was almost unknown when he arrived on a loan from Castel di Sangro in Italy, but would go on to play more than 200 times between 1999 and 2009, when he eventually departed in search of more first-team opportunities.

We welcome them both into the Legends section, while voting continues for your favourite Chelsea stars of the past.

Chelsea's Florent Malouda Saddened By Joe Cole Exit

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has pinpointed defending the Premier League title as the Blues' priority for next season - though he admits that having to do so without the services of England winger Joe Cole saddens him.

Cole was released by Chelsea and, as Goal.com has revealed, looks to be on his way to Arsenal.

Malouda was unhappy to see his team-mate leave and is uncertain as to the exact reasons for his departure.

"Joe has spent so many years at Chelsea, that it's really strange. I don't know why [he was allowed to leave]," he mused.

"I think everybody enjoyed the way he was committed to the club.”

However, the Frenchman is looking ahead to new targets. And while retaining the Premier League crown will be the club's main aim, on a personal level Malouda's ambition remains bringing European glory to Stamford Bridge by helping Chelsea win the Champions League.

"First is to defend the league. We were fighting last year to get the league back. We have to defend our trophy," he told Sky Sports News.

"After that [it's] the Champions League. I wish in my Chelsea career that I could touch that trophy and lift that trophy, but I won't give up, even if we fail next year, which I don't want, but I won't give up."

As for winning the title last season, Malouda cites the win at Manchester United on April 3 as the key point in the campaign.

"That's where we took the trophy back because after that we knew [with] that one point [lead] we had to defend it," he added.

"To win the league at the last game in the way we did it was incredible. The key was ambition; hard work every day and commitment.

"It was an obsession to become champions."

Sepp Blatter Apologises Over Frank Lampard 'Goal' In England v Germany

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has apologised to England over Frank Lampard's 'goal' against Germany in the World Cup, and has revealed he will 'reopen the file' on the use of goal-line technology in football at a board meeting next month.

Blatter, who has previously stood in the way of introducing any form of modern technology into the sport, also apologised to the Mexican FA over Argentina's controversial opening goal in their last-16 match, when Carlos Tevez was shown to be offside.

A shot from Lampard bounced down off the crossbar and was a yard over the goal-line - but the Uruguayan officiating team did not award a goal.

And this incident - coupled with the Mexican players' lengthy protests after replays of Tevez's goal was shown on the big screen in the stadium, highlighting the officials' mistake - has forced Fifa into a rethink over their policy.

Blatter told a media briefing in Johannesburg: 'It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA board in July.

'Personally I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen.

'I have spoken to the two federations [England and Mexico] directly concerned by referees mistakes. I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising.

'We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have the first opportunity in July at the business meeting.'

In March, Fifa blocked attempts by the Football Association to push through further experiments with technology in football.

However, Blatter now appears to have had a change of heart.

He continued: 'It happened in 1966 and then 44 years later - though it was not quite the same.

'I apologised to England and Mexico. The English said 'thank you and accepted that you can win [some] and you lose [some], and the Mexicans bowed their head and accepted it.'

The Fifa president added a caveat by saying only technology for goal-line incidents would be re-examined - not offside decisions such as the one during the Mexico v Argentina match, which Diego Maradona's side won 3-1.

'The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goal-line technology,' he explained.

'Football is a game that never stops and the moment there was a discussion if the ball was in or out, or there was a goal-scoring opportunity, do we give a possibility to a team to call for replays once or twice like in tennis?

'For situations like the Mexico game you don't need technology.'

David Silva 'Rejects Chelsea' To Complete Manchester City Transfer

David Silva will join Manchester City in two weeks' time after the Premier League club confirmed they have agreed a deal with Valencia - ending any lingering interest Chelsea had in signing the highly-rated Spaniard.

The 24-year-old, who has been a reported target for several English sides all summer, will sign a five-year contract at Eastlands once the World Cup is over.

Silva is due to fly to Manchester following the conclusion of the tournament in South Africa, and his signing will be confirmed after he completes a medical and puts pen to paper on the agreed deal.

'I would like to thank Valencia as a club and all of their loyal fans, and my team-mates there and staff,' said Silva, who is currently preparing for Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Paraguay this weekend.

'I have enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me.

'But the time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City.

'I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.'

City manager Roberto Mancini described Silva as 'one of the best midfielders in Europe' and said he is 'so pleased' to have signed the playmaker for an undisclosed fee ahead of next season.

'I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City,' explained the Italian, who is already talking up his side's chances of challenging for the domestic league title.

'In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.

'When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it.'

Ashley Cole And John Terry 'Lined Up For Big-Money Real Madrid Transfers'

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is said to be planning to bring in Chelsea stalwarts Ashley Cole and John Terry to boost his defence for the 2010/11 La Liga campaign.

Both players, who now have the chance to sit down for talks over their club futures following England's elimination from the World Cup last week, are being targeted by Real in a bid to wrestle the Spanish title back from bitter rivals Barcelona.

Mourinho rates both Cole and Terry very highly from his time at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007.

And the Blues are reportedly willing to listen to offers for both players, given the respective personal problems they have suffered throughout the course of last season in England.

The news comes after Cole reportedly send a mobile phone message to a group of friends earlier this month, which has since been made public, saying, 'I hate England and the f***ing people!' - hinting he could move abroad this summer.

Mourinho would be the favourite to land Cole's signature, while the Portuguese tactician is also the most likely man to be able to persuade Terry to leave Stamford Bridge.

Recent speculation suggests the Blues are considering cutting their losses on the former England captain, whose ropey performances in the second half of last season and at the World Cup have made Carlo Ancelotti nervous about his fading powers.

Terry was largely at fault for Germany's crucial first and third goals in the 4-1 humiliation in the last-16, having been caught too far upfield for both, and his much-vaunted positional sense has been found wanting on several occasions in recent months.
At 29, the pace of Spanish football may be better suited to Terry's game and he is rumoured to be tempted to depart Chelsea in order to be reunited with his former coach in Madrid.

Malouda Says Chelsea Fans Can Be Excited About Youngsters Coming Through

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda says fans can be excited about the youngsters coming through at Stamford Bridge.

The former Lyon man believes the club wants to give their younger players a chance to shine and that involves developing the likes of Gael Kakuta, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt.

"I think the fans always want big names and that's normal. I think the club has a strategy to improve.

"They are trying to bring on young players like Kakuta, Borini, Bruma and my friend Patrick van Aanholt.

"I hope that they could have the opportunity to wear the shirt."

Wolves May Abandon Bid To Sign Chelsea's Mancienne

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may abandon his attempts to sign Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who spent last season and two months at the end of 2008 on loan at Molineux, had been a target of McCarthy's.

But Chelsea's indecision to let him join, either permanently or on loan, might force Wolves to look elsewhere.

"I can't hang around waiting for decisions to be made that might be negative ones," said McCarthy.

"I've been asked about Michael Mancienne, but we've done business and signed a centre-half in Steven Mouyokolo."

Mancienne initially joined Wolves on loan at the end of October 2008 and made 10 appearances for McCarthy's side in two months in the Championship.

When the Molineux outfit was promoted to the Premier League in 2009 he joined on a season-long loan, making 30 appearances.

The central defender was employed mainly in a defensive midfield role during the second half of last season because of the form of Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra.

Mancienne has won 21 caps and scored one goal for the England Under-21 team.

He was named in England manager Fabio Capello's senior squad for the friendly against Germany in Berlin in November 2008 but did not feature in the match.

AC Milan To Try To Beat Arsenal To Joe Cole With £9m Contract

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has emerged as a summer target for AC Milan, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport.

Goal.com UK revealed previously that the England winger had agreed a deal to join Arsenal for the new season, but it seems that some of his suitors have not yet given up the chase.

The Rossoneri are set to try and tempt the player away from the Premier League with wages of £60,000 - £20,000 a week less than he was on at Chelsea and £40,000 lower than the amount he was seeking from a new contract with the Blues.

England manager Fabio Capello has apparently recommended the star to Milan chief Adriano Galliani.

Inter, Lazio and Juventus are also reported to be monitoring the 29-year-old's situation, though they may all be disappointed as Cole agreed in principle to join Arsenal before flying out to the World Cup, and his move to the Emirates should be completed assuming he passes a full medical.

Arsenal is offering Cole £80,000-a-week on a three-year contract laden with incentives.

Chelsea Go To War With Manchester City Over Benfica Defender David Luiz

Chelsea are set to take on moneybags Manchester City in the race to land promising Benfica defender David Luiz, according to Record.

The Brazilian youth international shone last term for the Portuguese champions and has had a £40 million price tag slapped on him.

As well as the Premier League pair, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter have all been linked with the versatile defender.

A £20m bid from City has already been turned away, but this has not deterred Carlo Ancelotti from entering the race.

He believes the lure of Champions League football will be enough to bring Luiz to Stamford Bridge.

West Ham Join Chelsea In Race To Sign Neymar

West Ham have joined Chelsea in acquiring Brazilian wonderkid Neymar - only to be warned they must obliterate their transfer record to sign the 18-year-old.

The Santos forward has been inevitably compared to Pele and is widely seen as the country's most talented teenager for silky skills and eye for goal.

Manchester City secured first option on Neymar when they allowed Robinho to join Santos on loan, while Chelsea and Real Madrid have closely tracked him for some time.

Sources in Brazil say West Ham have made informal enquiries in the last few days as they search for a striker.

However, Santos believe that it is at least 12 months too soon to sell their brightest prospect and insist they will not consider a deal for less than his £28.4million release clause.

Any deal is complicated by Santos owning just 60 per cent of Neymar's rights and restrictive rules following the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano mean that English suitors would have to buy out the remaining 40 per cent from an investment group.

The future of his highly rated team-mate Paulo Henrique Ganso is more fluid.

City also has a first-option on the 20-year-old, dubbed the 'New Kaka', but Lyon have joined AC Milan and Real Madrid in stepping up their interest.

Manchester United's scouts in Brazil have also been impressed by a player who was on the standby list to go to the World Cup despite national coach Dunga consistently overlooking youth in favour of experience.

Ganso has an even bigger buy-out clause than Neymar and Santos would expect a hefty fee, but the playmaker recently refused to consider his future beyond the Brazilian Cup final on August 4.

Blackpool Chasing Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair & West Ham United’s Danny Gabbidon

Premier League newcomers Blackpool are lining up moves for Chelsea forward Scott Sinclair and West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon, according to the News of the World.

Pool boss Ian Holloway first discovered Sinclair as a 10-year-old during his spell as manager of Bristol Rovers before signing him on loan at Plymouth Argyle in 2007.

Sinclair caught the eye during his stay at Home Park, but has since been loaned out five times, including a season-long loan deal at Wigan Athletic last year where he started just one league game.

Meanwhile, Gabbidon has also emerged as a target for Blackpool after an injury-hit four years at Upton Park.

The Welshman missed the second half of both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 campaigns before missing the entire of the next season through injury.

He made his long-awaited return to the West Ham first team last season but made just 11 appearances as injury hampered his season once again.

Chelsea Target Charles Kabore Staying With Olympique De Marseille

Marseille midfielder Charles Kabore has ruled out a move to Chelsea, claiming he wants to stay with the French champions.

The Burkina Faso international had also been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke City, but the 22-year-old has ruled out a move to England for the immediate future.

“I want to prolong my stay with Marseille. I love this club and want to do well here,” Kabore told Sky Sports News.

"We will have a great chance next season to win the league again and challenge for the Champions League, so I want to be part of that."

Kabore joined Marseille in January in 2008 and played a key role in Didier Deschamps' Ligue 1 winning side last season.

Harry Looking To Swipe Cole From Under Arsenal's Nose

Harry Redknapp has tried to gazump Arsenal in the fight for Joe Cole.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has put together a package which they believe can lure the England midfielder to White Hart Lane ahead of their north London rivals.

Redknapp is a huge fan of Cole and has urged Levy to sign his former West Ham protege after the 28-year-old was released by Chelsea.

Levy does not want to go above the current £60,000-a-week wage structure.

But they have put forward an offer to Cole’s advisers which includes a signing-on fee, loyalty and success bonuses which will make it the best pay deal at the club.

Tottenham outcast Robbie Keane, a target for Aston Villa and Birmingham, is the club’s top earner on £60,000-a-week but Ledley King has also agreed a new deal which puts him on a par even though it includes a pay-as-you-play element.

Redknapp believes his squad needs strengthening for next season’s Champions League and would dearly love to get Cole.

Cole has also attracted interest from Arsenal - but only if they can offload another of their forwards with Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky both available at the right price.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Inter Milan are keen but Cole has made it clear that he will make a decision on football rather than financial reasons and that he is desperate for a manager who will show “faith” in him.

Redknapp believes his relationship with Cole could yet prove to be the trump card even though bigger clubs are interested and they may be able to offer bigger contracts.

Arsenal would be a big draw but Cole insisted after England’s World Cup exit that no deal has yet been agreed although Arsene Wenger is monitoring developments closely and has made enquiries.

Cole wants to play through the middle to boost his international chances and is keen to get at least a three-year deal but says he will decide on his future in a fortnight after going on holiday.

No Fifa Apology After Lampard Goal Howler

World Cup organisers are refusing to apologise for the shocking refereeing decision that saw England’s second goal against Germany not given.

For 20 minutes, Fifa spokesman Nicolas Maingot refused to answer questions on the need for TV technology, during a press conference in Johannesburg.

His boss, Fifa president Sepp Blatter, did not attend despite demands for top-level answers.

Every question from the assembled international journalists was about yesterday’s refereeing howlers. Each time refusing to comment, Mr. Maingot said he was not qualified to speak about refereeing matters.

Uruguayan linesman Mauricio Espinosa ruled out Frank Lampard’s first-half strike, seen by more than 17.5million British viewers. The blunder was compounded later when Argentina’s opening goal against Mexico was allowed to stand even though its scorer, Carlos Tevez, was clearly offside.

Asked what message World Cup bosses had for England fans, Mr. Maingot sat silently before refusing to comment. He finally said: ‘To the fans, not just England fans but all fans around the world, we hope that they can continue to enjoy the World Cup.’

Chelsea's Frank Lampard Won't Quit England After Shambolic Exit From World Cup 2010

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard insists that he has given retirement from international football no serious consideration following England's exit from the World Cup.

The English suffered their worst ever defeat in a World Cup finals when they lost 4-1 to Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Lampard will carry on making himself available for his country even though he will turn 36 during the next tournament, scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2014.

"I want to carry on with England. I think there will be a lot of talking, not just about me," he told reporters.

"It's important players go away and don't listen to it and concentrate on our jobs now.

"The talk is great for the people who are involved in that sort of thing but it doesn't actually make any difference.

"We'll try and carry on, that's what we have to do.

"Only one team wins the World Cup and the rest go home at some stage and don't win it so the talking is by the by.

"We'll have to come back and try and perform."

Many think that the time has come for major surgery to be performed on the England team, with the so-called 'Golden Generation' beginning to reach the twilight of their careers now.

Lampard was not prepared to comment one way or the other though as to what he felt was right at this stage.

"You know what, I don't really want to talk about it at the moment," he added.

"We will worry about that when we start again.

"There is bitter disappointment. It's right up there with other disappointments.

"You are at a World Cup and we felt we could have got a bit of momentum after the Slovenia game."

England Out

Four more Chelsea players are heading home from the World Cup after England were humiliated by Germany, beaten 4-1 in Bloemfontein.

In what was expected to be a tight last 16 encounter, individual and collective mistakes cost England dear, and although they looked like getting back into the game after falling 2-0 behind, susceptibility to fast German counter-attacking meant more danger at the back.

A major talking point arrived with the score at 2-1, when Frank Lampard's half-volley smashed against the crossbar and bounced over the goal-line, though the officials did not award the goal, the opposite to what occurred so famously in 1966. Things could have been very different afterwards, but it is the Germans who will take confidence as they progress into the quarter-finals. For England, it will be a summer of soul-searching.

For the first time in his tenure England coach Fabio Capello named an unchanged line-up, which meant starts for John Terry, Ashley Cole and Lampard, but again Joe Cole would begin on the bench.

It was the left-back's 14th England appearance at a World Cup - only Peter Shilton has more, and there were none more dependable than the Chelsea man in the three group games of this World Cup, so it was a major surprise that the Germans' first chance of the game came down his side.

Mesut Ozil found space in the channel and bore down on the England goal, but he shot straight at David James who saved with his feet.

Ten minutes in Terry had to quash a German counter-attack by making a string block, and then Cole copied his club captain with a ferocious ball-winning challenge on Thomas Muller.

England were enjoying possession without making chances, their first shot being a Lampard free-kick that was sent straight into Germany's defensive wall after the midfielder had been cut down.

Almost immediately Germany went to the other end and took the lead.

A Manuel Neuer goal-kick evaded both Terry and Matthew Upson in central defence, but not Bayern Munich forward Miroslav Klose who ran on and slotted past James with the outside of his right boot.

On the half-hour the same player should have scored a second but James prevented him with some alert goalkeeping, though there was nothing the 39-year-old could do a minute later when the Germans worked the ball across to Lukas Podolski in space inside the area, and the Cologne forward smashed it beneath the 'keeper and into the far corner.

England's World Cup sat on a knife edge, something major would need to change.

Lampard almost pulled a goal back from Milner's cross, and then Upson, up for a corner, did, as he leapt high and headed home Steven Gerrard's cross.

Within two minutes Lampard sent home a brilliant dipping half-volley that bounced two feet over the line, the type of goal we've seen time and again at Stamford Bridge.

But when there are big decisions involving Chelsea players on the international stage, they tend to go against us, and the Uruguayan linesman failed to acknowledge the ball had crossed the line, and failed to award the goal.

It was another major setback at a time when England were in the ascendancy, but after a chaotic first half, they would probably have taken being 2-1 down at half-time, if it was offered.

Six minutes into the second period Lampard lined up a second free-kick of the afternoon, some 35 yards out. Again, at Stamford Bridge we've seen them go in, and this was so, so close.

The 32-year-old rifled it hard at goal, but again the ball slammed against the crossbar, this time rebounding up into the air rather than down, and again the Germans survived.

On 64 minutes the Chelsea count on the field rose to four, with Joe Cole on for James Milner, operating down the right flank.

It was unfortunate for the winger that almost immediately after his introduction, Germany snatched a third. Lampard's free-kick hit the wall, Gareth Barry lost possession high up the field and the German attack broke quicker than the England defence could chase them, the ball eventually ending up with Muller who fired past James.

Three minutes later the dream was well and truly over, as another break saw Ozil sweep the ball across the box for Muller to smash home. 4-1, 20 minutes left, game over.

Gerrard and Wayne Rooney almost combined to pull one back 10 minutes from time but Neuer pulled off a superb save from the Liverpool man.

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips replaced former Blues right-back Glen Johnson with four minutes remaining, with time only for Lampard to fire in another speculative effort from distance which Neuer held comfortably.

My Favourite Games: Deco

Deco is expected to return to the Portuguese line-up for their World Cup round of 16 game against Spain - but here we focus on the past rather than the future as the 32-year-old shares with us his two favourite games - one in which he played, and one he watched.

Favourite game played:

As one of just a few men to have reached the pinnacle of the club game, it is little surprise Deco picks a Champions League Final as his career highpoint.

Twice a winner of Europe's most prestigious club competition, the playmaker has triumphed at both Porto and Barcelona, while playing in more than 100 Uefa matches.

In 2006, he was part of the Barça side that came from behind to beat Arsenal in Paris, Juliano Belletti scoring a late winner, but it is his earlier success with Porto that brings the broadest grin.

Managed by Jose Mourinho, and with Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa as team-mates (as well as former Chelsea loanee Maniche), Porto's was a close-knit side that had won the Uefa Cup after beating Celtic a year earlier.

n the Final in 2004, they could, and possibly should have met Chelsea, but instead it was our semi-final conquerors, Monaco, that they faced in Gelsenkirchen.

At first, Porto were up against it as their opponents started well, but when Carlos Alberto converted a Ferreira cross five minutes before half-time, the balance of the game changed.

Deco began to stand out, and netted his side's second goal with20 minutes to go, stroking home Dmitri Alenichev's pass to double the lead after a swift counter-attack.

Alenichev scored a third four minutes later and it was game over, the outsiders triumphant after coming past Manchester United, Lyon and Deportivo La Coruna en route to Germany.

'It was my first Champions League Final and it was different to win for Porto because everyone knows how difficult it is,' Deco says. 'All the teams want to win and Porto has less money than the other teams, but we had a great team, I scored in the Final and was Man of the Match.

'We had the same team that had won the Uefa Cup and we had a good spirit. Porto will find it difficult to have another team like that.'

Days later Mourinho departed for Stamford Bridge, bringing Carvalho and Ferreira with him, while Deco went on to spend four years in Spain before arriving in west London.

Favourite game watched:

Deco's cherished memory as a spectator brings back a family experience many youngsters will relate to, watching a game with your dad.

He would only have been knee high to a grasshopper at the time, but he still recalls the 1982 World Cup, when his native Brazil met eventual champions Italy in Barcelona. What followed would be one of the greatest games ever.

Brazil boasted one of its best ever sides too, with talent that could match the great 1970 team, names like Falcao, Socrates and Zico still so well remembered today. For Italy, there was Dino Zoff in goal, defender Claudio Gentile, Marco Tardelli (who would become so famous in the Final), and Paolo Rossi.

t was Rossi, who had been banned, that netted a hat-trick on the day to deny Brazil a semi-final spot despite great strikes from Socrates and Falcao.

'The favourite game I ever watched, I think it would maybe when Brazil lost against Italy in 1982, I don't remember much but I remember my father watching the game,' Deco recalls.

'Nobody thought Italy could win against Brazil, it was such a great team.

'It is my first football memory, I can't remember many things from then, but this game I can remember.'

Aguero Deal Dismissed

Although the name of Chelsea Football Club has been linked heavily with a move for the Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero, the latest implication is that it has all been paper talk.

Aguero, currently on international duty at South Africa 2010, has been the subject of a quote issued by the Atletico Madrid president, Enrique Cerezo.

Cerezo, discussing the possibility of a transfer is quoted as having remarked,

"We have not received any offers and we do not need them."

I think they (Aguero and Forlan) want to continue at Madrid."

Rio Ferdinand Points To Frank Lampard's 'Goal' As Critical Moment

Injured England captain Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed Frank Lampard's disallowed goal as the key moment in Sunday’s 4-1 World Cup thrashing against Germany.

Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition with a knee injury, watched the old enemy run rampant in the last-16 clash in Bloemfontein.

Joachim Low's side were 2-1 up when Lampard's shot hit the crossbar and landed a good yard over the line, only for the goal not to be given by the Uruguayan officials.

In the second half a dominant Germany showing rendered that decision academic but Ferdinand believes it may have been a different story had the sides gone in 2-2 at the break.

Speaking to The Sun, the Manchester United defender said: ''If Lamps' goal had stood it would have been 2-2 and then the game would've turned on its head. We'd have been at full throttle. I'm sure we'd have gone on to win it.

''I was sitting here with my mates and we were all screaming at the TV along with everyone else in the pubs going bananas. I'm a professional footballer but I'm also a fan so I know what it's like.

''Your emotions get a grip of you and you think 'How's he not seen it?'

''It wasn't like a counter-attack or something, he was up there with the run of play. He has to be able to see that.''

Ferdinand went on to say he sympathised with the fans' anger at the timid exit from the competition.

The relationship between the squad and their followers hit the headlines earlier in the competition when misfiring striker Wayne Rooney was captured criticising the booing supporters following the 0-0 draw with Algeria.

Ferdinand was more conciliatory than that.

''I understand fans' anger,'' he said. ''People pay good money to go and watch football. If people are angry you can't knock that. They pay their hard-earned money to watch us all over the world so that's part and parcel of it.

''When you look at the names on our teamsheet, you'd have to say that not getting to the latter stages of the tournament that you've underachieved.

''To look at it as an underachievement, given the players we've got to choose from, is a fair point.''

Ferdinand defended the man who made him England captain, albeit only after John Terry's personal indiscretions, and backed Fabio Capello to bounce back from the current calls for his head.

''I believe he's the man to take us to being a successful team. His track record is nothing to be sniffed at,'' he said.

''We've got the utmost respect for this manager. I've enjoyed every moment being around this manager. From the way he coaches to his professionalism, his experience – you can only learn from people like that.''

Joe Cole Blames 'Politics' For Chelsea Exit As Arsenal And Spurs Hover

Joe Cole has blamed "political reasons" for his release from Chelsea and will return to England from South Africa to consider his immediate future, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal understood to be interested in signing him under the Bosman ruling.

The 29-year-old, a late substitute in England's demoralising 4-1 defeat by Germany in Bloemfontein today, will depart Stamford Bridge after seven seasons in south‑west London having failed to agree terms on an extension to his stay with the Double winners. He joins Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti in leaving the club, with the Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun earmarked to replace him in a deal worth around £5m.

"My season for Chelsea wasn't great for what I believe were political reasons rather than footballing reasons," he said. "I love [the Chelsea manager] Carlo Ancelotti and have big respect for him. My leaving is not financial and it is nothing to do with Carlo. I love him and think he is a top guy and a top manager. I've loved my time at Chelsea and I love the fans but it is a story for another day and I will tell it. But now is not the time.

"Now I want to have a couple of weeks off, to sort my future out as soon as possible, to go on holiday with my family. Next season I want to have a fantastic season for England and for whatever club I am at. Wherever I go, it'll be a footballing decision. I want to play in a more central position and I want a manager who has faith in me. And I'm talking about club football here.

"It's a big decision for me and my family but I'm open to anything at the moment. I have purposely not spoken to anyone while I've been here because that wouldn't be fair on England. My phone has been turned off but now I want to sort it all out."

Cork Left In Limbo

Jack Cork’s future remains in limbo as he waits to hear whether he will be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer, with the midfielder still open to a return to Burnley.

Cork impressed while on loan at Turf Moor in the second half of the 2009/10 campaign and said at the end of the season that he would be prepared to rejoin the Clarets - even though they have now been relegated from the Premier League to the Championship.
The midfielder, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Friday, is ready to cut his ties with Chelsea in order to seek a permanent move elsewhere and had been hoping to discuss his future with Blues in the days following end of the season.

Cork still has two years to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge but it is understood that he has still not heard anything from Chelsea or their sporting director Frank Arnesen about whether he will be allowed to leave this summer - either permanently or on loan.

The former Southampton, Watford and Coventry loanee, who has also been linked with a move to newly promoted Blackpool, is keen to know where he will be playing during the 2010/11 season.

But any firm decision could be complicated further if Chelsea decide to keep Cork at the club for their pre-season games, with 10 of their first-team squad set to return to training late following World Cup duty.

And it remains to be seen whether that could scupper his hopes of a return to Burnley, with Clarets boss Brian Laws keen to have all new signings on board by the time his squad fly to Singapore for their pre-season tour on July 17.

Cork came through Chelsea’s youth system but, after several loan spells away from the club to gain experience, he is said to be resigned to the fact that he will be unable to break into the Blues’ first team - such is the fierce competition for places at Stamford Bridge.

Asked about his future at the end of the season, he said: “I want to see what the feedback is (at Chelsea).

“Maybe if Burnley comes in for me in the summer I’ll have to really, really think about it.

“I know next year we’ll have a really strong team, especially if we keep a lot of the players. The financial situation is good and it’s a really good club.

“I can really see Burnley bouncing back.”

Wolves Waiting On Mancienne Deal

Wolves have confirmed they are still hoping to seal a permanent deal for Michael Mancienne, with Chelsea yet to decide where his future lies.

The Blues youngster has spent most of the last two seasons on loan at Molineux, playing in both defence and midfield.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is a confirmed admirer of the 22-year-old and owner Steve Morgan is ready to finance a move.

"If Chelsea say he's available then we would have an interest. Until they clarify what their plans for Michael are, it's very difficult to comment," he said.

"We think the world of Michael at this club - he's a good player, he knows the set-up and he's a popular lad with the squad.

"I think Michael's future depends on what home-grown players Chelsea bring in because they have a balance to strike.

"It's not like going to Tesco and taking tins off the supermarket shelf - as we all know, getting the right players is very difficult.

"The biggest issue is where Chelsea sees Michael's future."

Milan Join Race For Former Chelsea Midfielder Joe Cole

Milan is ready to arrange a move for former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The England international is a free agent after being released by Chelsea - adding appeal for a Milan side that are eager to retrench in the summer transfer market.

However, he has also attracted a raft of interest from Premier League clubs including Tottenham, whose manager Harry Redknapp has said he is keen on the 29-year-old.

The Rossoneri also face competition from Inter, Lazio and Juventus, who are all said to be interested.

Meanwhile, the deal for Luis Fabiano could gather pace after the striker said he wanted to joint "either Milan or Manchester United" on Sunday.

His deal with Sevilla expires in 2011, and while talks over a renewal had started, problems arose over a wage deal. The hitman wants more than the €2million maximum per annum his club was offering.

That has left the door open for Milan, who is willing to offer him up to €3m a season plus bonuses.

Lampard: I Knew It Was Over The Line

Frank Lampard has called for the goalline technology after being denied a crucial equaliser during England's World Cup defeat to Germany.

England were trailing 2-1 when Lampard's 20-yard strike hit the underside of the bar and bounced down around a yard over the goalline.

But the match officials allowed play to continue and Germany eventually went on to win 4-1 - a scoreline Lampard believes flattered them.

The Chelsea midfielder said: "I haven't seen the goal again but I didn't need to see it again.

"I knew straight away that my shot was over the line, clearly a yard or so.

"It baffles me that it wasn't given and it was a big deciding factor.

"I won't stand here and say it is the reason why we got knocked out.

"But if it had gone to 2-2, and we had still come out and played the way we did in the second half, it would have been a different game."

Lampard said: "I think it is time to bring in goal-line technology.

"We had a meeting before the World Cup when we were told about a million different rule changes that hardly affect the game.

"The big one, the one that affects the game today, hasn't been brought in so it is a no-brainer."

Lampard believes there were only small margins that separated the two sides.

He said: "Everyone can see, it was small things in the game.

"Everyone can see it was a goal which would have sent us in level at half-time and after the break we were on top and hit the bar again.

"Maybe we showed a bit of desperation and a little bit of naivety on our part in trying to push and push and getting caught on sucker punches on counter-attacks.

"It is the story of the game. Nobody can stand here and tell me Germany were a lot better than us. They were not 4-1 better than us.

"But the things have conspired against us and maybe we have conspired against ourselves at times. But it just didn't go for us."

Hutchinson's Early Start

With the playing staff either away at the World Cup or taking much-deserved holidays, Cobham has been a quiet place over the last month or so, but with pre-season now only just around the corner, activity is beginning to pick up.

Present this week is Sam Hutchinson, who has interrupted his end-of-season break to get a head start before the rest of the squad arrive on July 5.

The 20-year-old defender has now recovered from the chronic knee injury that hampered his progress over the past three seasons, but his condition leaves him unable to train every day, much like England defender Ledley King, and so the decision was taken to come in early and get some fitness under his belt.

'I am in for five days over the next week or so, just to help with some fitness because I can't train every day,' said the Berkshire-born player. 'Jason Palmer [physio and manager of therapy services] wanted me to come in and get a bit stronger so I don't have to push myself so much when everyone else is back.

'I'm not sure yet what pre-season will be like for me, I can't train every day, so they will pick sessions week by week to get me fit for the pre-season games, and then for the start of the season.

'The last two pre-seasons I have been fit, where I was 17 in 2007, and last year, I have played in all the games so hopefully I can do the same and have a good pre-season and set myself up nicely for the start of the season, play a few more games and stay fit.'

Those who remember seeing 'Hutch' in action last summer in the USA will recall an assured presence at the back, and he showed with subsequent competitive appearances he has an abundance of ability, either at centre-back or right-back, from where he crossed for Frank Lampard's excellent volley against Stoke in April.

'I think I may be seen more as a right-back, but I am happy wherever the manager plays me. I came on against Stoke at right-back, and got injured in that game, injuring my back,' he said.

'I was meant to be involved in the last games, but I don't know, wherever the boss sees me, I am happy. I am capable of playing anywhere, if I am fit. When I have played, I have done okay and I think I can do a job. I'm confident in myself and now in my knee as well.

'It's great to see Ledley King in the England squad, and not wishing any injuries on him or anything, but it's a relief to see he is not invincible because he has picked up another injury with his groin.

'When I got injured against Stoke it was my back, and I thought, "Here we go, another setback,", but it is hard because you can't train every day.

'It's hard to get match fitness in training, and that intensity in the Premier League is on a different level, but you just have to get used to it, and hopefully by coming in early and managing it properly I'm giving myself the best chance.'

Chelsea Prepare Bid For Real Madrid Playmaker Van der Vaart

Chelsea are preparing a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

The Dutch playmaker will not be blocked by Real should he decide to leave Madrid after the World Cup.

Chelsea are keen and are prepared to offer £10 million for the midfielder.

Van der Vaart would arrive at Chelsea to take charge of their midfield creativity, with Michael Ballack, Deco and Joe Cole all leaving Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti Joins Chase For Ajax Man Luis Suarez

Chelsea are rumoured to be considering a bid for Uruguayan hot shot Luis Suarez. Carlo Ancelotti is known to be a fan of the Ajax goal machine and having seen the 23 year old put in a marvellous performance against South Korea in the second round of the World Cup he appears to be ready to make a move for the talented striker.

The Stamford Bridge boss is looking for new youthful long term alternatives to current ageing front pair Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka and believes that lethal finisher could be a good addition to his Premier League winning side.

Ajax will have a struggle to keep hold of their top scorer and the likes of Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus are all apparently keen on Suarez but with Roman Abramovich reportedly ready to spend big this summer the Blues could well lead the race for the top notch striker.

Valued at around £22m the Eredivisie man netted an amazing 49 goals in 48 games last term and that included 12 goals in European competition thus proving his ability to do well at the highest level and not just the relatively average Dutch league.

Last year Chelsea reportedly came close to securing Luis Suarez Ajax midfielder Luis Suarez is widely reported in the Dutch media to have reached an agreement to sign for Chelsea.

The 22 year old’s agent Daniel Fonseca has reportedly tied things up with the Stamford Bridge club and is simply waiting for the two clubs to agree on the deal.

Kalou Cheering The Blues

Salomon Kalou admits he will be cheering his Chelsea team-mates on when England take on Germany.

Kalou and Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba are already out of the World cup with Ivory Coast, while fellow Blues forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home by France and Florent Malouda and Branislav Ivanovic have also exited.

Portugal's Deco and Paulo Ferreira remain in the tournament, as do John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole, and Kalou hopes the England quartet will do the business to help lift the spirits when the players return to pre-season training at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "I don't think it has been too good a World Cup for Chelsea's players.

"Hopefully the English boys will do better so when we do get back we will have some positive things to talk about from the World Cup.

"I hope England beat Germany. I will watch the game and cheer for JT, Lampsy and Joe Cole.

"I hope they have a great game to put England into the next round."

Ivory Coast exited the tournament after an opening goalless stalemate with Portugal, a 3-1 defeat to Brazil and then a closing 3-0 win over North Korea, in which Kalou scored.

Reflecting on the campaign, Kalou added: "It is difficult to say I am disappointed because we did a good job against Portugal, we had some bad luck against Brazil and the third game we won.

"We will keep the positives and work very hard to get to that level.

"It has been a very good experience for us playing against Portugal and Brazil.

"Hopefully in the next World Cup we will get an easier group and we can make it to the next round."

Kalou believed the Ivorians had shown too much respect in the game against Brazil.

He said: "If there are any regrets it was Brazil. I don't believe we played at our level.

"Maybe we were a little intimidated to play against Brazil - you have to play at your best.

"Portugal - perhaps we should have tried to win the game. We started well and pushed it and created chances but didn't put the ball in the net.

"When you have chances like that you have to take them."

Chelsea Chase £17m-Rated AC Milan Striker Marco Borriello

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to make a £17 million move for AC Milan striker Marco Borriello, according to Mediaset.

The Italian hit man blossomed at the San Siro last season and notched 14 goals in Serie A. Despite missing the cut for Marcello Lippi's World Cup 2010 squad, he remains a highly-rated player.

His emergence has alerted the Blues boss to his talent after he failed to make the mark when they were together at the San Siro.

A big money bid from the west London outfit would be hard to turn down by the cash-strapped club, especially as they look to fund a move for Brazil hot-shot Luis Fabiano.

Chelsea Midfielder Deco Hints At Brazil Return With Fluminense

Chelsea midfielder Deco has reiterated his desire to move back to his native country of Brazil in the summer.

The Portugal international, on the books of Chelsea since 2008, has made no secret of his wish to return to Brazil after 13 years in Europe.

Deco, who returned to full training today following a hip injury, has now repeated his desire to depart the Blues after the World Cup.

"My wish to go back to Brazil is due to personal issues, stronger than football issues," Deco told Maisfutebol.

"If that happens, Fluminense are the club closest to signing me."

Portugal have reached the Round of 16 after Friday's goalless draw with Brazil, and Deco has now shaken off pressure from the Seleccao.

"We can't consider Portugal as favourites because we don't have tradition in World Cups, but I always said that we had chances," he said.

"Now, we are in the Round of 16. The hope rises and the dream is closer."

Tottenham Set To Seal £17.1m Deal To Sign Joe Cole

If Arsenal pull out of the race due to excessive wage demands and with Man United already stating they are not interested in the England international, the path is pretty much clear for Harry Redknapp to reunite with the former West Ham man.

The three year deal Joe Cole wants will cost the White Hart Lane club £17.1m and whilst that may sound steep its worth noting that the attacking midfielder would cost around £20m in transfer fees alone and in many ways the 28 year old could be the final part of the Tottenham jigsaw puzzle.

The offer to join Spurs is of course made sweeter now the club has Champions League football to offer and though Redknapp already has a fantastic squad the addition of a vastly experienced and incredibly talented player like Cole can only be an added bonus and in many ways a player too good to turn down.

African Stars Didier Drogba And Samuel Eto'o Were Under Too Much Pressure - Patrick Viera

Patrick Viera insists there was too much pressure placed on African stars such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o at the World Cup.

The former French captain believes that the stars lacked the support from their team-mates, which has resulted in five out of six African teams being eliminated at the group stage.

Vieira said: "It is quite difficult to understand, some of the big names play in Europe and when they come back to their national teams they struggle a lot.

"Players like Drogba and Eto'o, when they play for their clubs there are other stars who share the pressure but when they come into the national team the people expect them to win games by themselves.

"They will make a difference but they cannot win a game by themselves. It is important for other players not to expect one player to make the difference - some players lay back and expect the big players to make a difference on their own. Other players must take responsibility as well."

The new rule which allows African players to represent the countries of their parents or grandparents even if they have played at national youth level in another country will continue to be beneficial according to Viera, who was born in Senegal.

"I never had a choice to make, I was in the French youth team and never had contact with the Senegal national team, but I don't have any regrets.

“But now there is a new rule so that if you got in the youth team (for one country) you can go and play in the senior team (of another).

"You can see the Algeria team, some of them played in the French youth team but played for the Algerian (senior) team. This is a good change for African countries, which will make them stronger."

My Favourite Games: Didier Drogba

The Champions League is never quiet with Didier Drogba around, and it was from that competition he picked out his two major footballing memories.

Favourite game played:

After travelling to Anfield and giving Liverpool a 3-1 thumping, Chelsea hosted the Reds in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a comfortable lead already established.

With that in mind, many expected Liverpool to attack when they arrived at Stamford Bridge, which they did, but it would be fair to say no one predicted the eight-goal thriller that ensued.

By half-time Liverpool were 2-0 up, after Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso both found the net inside the first 30 minutes, but by the 75-minute mark Chelsea had made it 3-2 in our favour.

Drogba struck first, then Alex, then Frank Lampard as the crowd inside Stamford Bridge erupted.

But Liverpool were far from done and five minutes after Chelsea's third, Lucas made it 3-3 and only a minute later Dirk Kuyt netted the visitor's fourth.

By now you could have cut through the tension inside the stadium with a knife, as Blues everywhere wished for one last Chelsea goal to see us safely through.

And even though it was irrelevant to the cause, as a 4-3 loss would have seen Chelsea progress to the next round anyway, with only one minute of normal time left to play, Lampard made it four.

'It was an amazing night at Stamford Bridge and nobody expected it to be like that,' explains Drogba. 'We started badly but we came back once and then did it again, and the atmosphere in the stadium was special, I will always remember it.'

Favourite game watched:

Many who played in it would pick it as their favourite, yet suspension meant Drogba had to watch from the sidelines.

When we hosted Barcelona in the Champions League first knockout round in 2005, an outstanding game of football unfolded. It was a game that placed Chelsea back among Europe's greats and provided a couple of the decade's greatest goals.

After building a 3-0 lead in the first half, following strikes from Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard and Damien Duff, Ronaldhino pulled one back for the visitors with a penalty after Paulo Ferreira handled in the area.

But it was the Brazilian's second that most will remember, when he made a simple flick look astoundingly complex, as his shot from the edge of the box flew past Ricardo Carvalho and into the top left.

Fortunately it was the last goal the Spanish giants could muster and when John Terry headed home Duff's out-swinging corner, our place in the next round was sealed.

'My favourite game to watch was when we beat Barcelona 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in 2005,' explains the Ivorian.

'I was suspended for the game so watched from the side and it was a brilliant night for Chelsea, it was fantastic.'