Gonzalo Higuain: Chelsea Left-Back Ashley Cole Should Make Move To Real Madrid

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain has promised Chelsea defender Ashley Cole that he can escape the backlash over his private life if he makes the switch to Real Madrid.

The England international has not been able to stay out of the news after his much reported divorce from pop star Cheryl Tweedy.

Higuain has urged Cole to get a new start and move to Real Madrid, where he would be re-united with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

"At Madrid, Cole's football will make all the headlines, not his private life. I think that will be a big incentive for him,” Higuain told The Sun.

"I have spoken with a couple of senior players who the club confides in and they are very confident that we will sign him in the next few weeks.

"Once players have played for Jose Mourinho, they seem to want to follow him. Jose is very much like Argentina coach Diego Maradona in the sense that he will lay down his life for his players.

"It's everybody inside the club versus the rest of the world and that protection which the coach offers is a real incentive.

"Ashley will know all about Jose's passion and love for his players and I am sure he is keen to link up with him again."

Mourinho has already secured the transfer of Cole before, luring the left-back from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006, and Higuain believes that history will repeat itself.

"The vibe around the training ground is that the deal will be done. All the players are very excited about his arrival.

"It does not surprise me that Chelsea say he is not for sale.

"If you have a player who is the best in the world in his position then you do everything you can to try to keep him.

"But when Madrid want a player we usually get our man.

"I was speaking with Cristiano Ronaldo and he told me Cole is the toughest defender he has ever played against.

"So if Ashley Cole decides he wants to join the greatest club in the world and play for his old friend Jose Mourinho again, then I am sure the transfer will go through before the start of the season."

Chelsea Youngster Wants Playing Time

Chelsea youngster Michael Mancienne is finding it difficult to break into Carlo Ancelotti’s first team ever since returning from his loan spell at Wolverhampton. The 22-year old’s case is very similar to that of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who impressed on loan at Bolton for the second half of last season.

Both players are now seeking to feature actively in the future plans of their respective managers via means of increased playing time. For Mancienne, settling down at Chelsea also carries a personal connection, as he has been with the club ever since he was a child.

The former England Under-21 international told Express: “I’ve been at Chelsea since I was a kid and I’d love to break into the first team, but it’s hard for any young player knowing how much quality they’ve got.”

He added: “I’ve had two seasons on loan at Wolves and had regular games and really enjoyed it. Now I want to be settled at one club.”

Future Of Communities In Safe Hands

Chelsea Football Club is proud to announce the launch of our new charity to continue and expand our award-winning community, charity and social responsibility work.

Goalkeeping trio Petr Cech, Ross Turnbull and Hilario joined young people from a variety of community projects across the south-east to celebrate the occasion last week.

The Chelsea Foundation has been created as an independent charity to develop the community work established by the football club as well as the health, environmental, anti-discrimination and charitable work the club has developed over the last five years.

Over 800,000 people per year are actively engaged in the UK alone through the club's social responsibility initiatives. These include using football to rebuild communities and providing sport to young people to promote healthy lifestyles, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour as well as drug and alcohol abuse.

The domestic community work of the club has expanded in recent years to include Essex, Hampshire, Sussex as well Surrey and London. The Foundation's international work will see coaches being sent out to Spain, Hong Kong, the US, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Sardinia in the forthcoming months to establish a series of coaching, community and education programs.

The Foundation will build on the groundbreaking work undertaken by Chelsea which includes:

- Award-winning work to help reduce crime through engaging young people through football. Through programs such as Kickz, Positive Futures and Goalz we identify high crime areas and target individuals through our coaching initiatives to provide positive distractions and opportunities for training, education and employment.

- Using football to help educate people of all ages about the benefits of healthy lifestyles and actively targeting older men through a series of health programs.

- Helping the long-term unemployed get motivated and find work using the power of the game to inspire and engage.

- Being the first club to sign up to the Mayor of London's Green 500 initiative and pledge to reduce our environmental impact and have created a liftshare scheme to encourage fans to share cars to games.

- Using football to provide educational initiatives to schoolchildren in English, maths, business studies, languages and IT.

- Helping to tackle racism and discrimination at Stamford Bridge and in our communities.

Importantly the Foundation will be able to accept donations, fundraise and work with a wider range of organizations and funding partners.

All profits and funding will allow the Foundation to develop new initiatives and expand programs increasing the reach of our good work and engaging even larger numbers.

Chelsea now regularly helps to raise over £1.5m for charities annually, part of a corporate social responsibility investment of more than £5.6m each season.

A new website www.chelseafc.com/foundation has been created and to mark the launch, the Foundation will be auctioning off a John Terry shirt signed by the entire Double-winning team and a shirt signed by the three first team goalkeepers.

All funds raised will be ploughed back into grass roots football initiatives.

Didier Drogba Could Miss Start Of Premier League Season

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has successfully undergone surgery on a groin injury that had troubled him last season, although his recovery and rehabilitation from the operation could make it touch-and-go whether he will be fully fit in time to help the Blues' when they commence their Premier League title defence at home to West Bromwich Albion on 14 August.

Despite the lingering injury the prolific targetman still fired the Blues to a domestic double during 2009-10, contributing 29 Premier League goals in 31 starts.

The decision to perform the operation on Friday, following his return from World Cup 2010 where he performed for the Ivory Coast, was taken in an attempt to speed up his rehabilitation.

A statement today on Chelsea's official website noted: "Didier Drogba successfully underwent minimally invasive surgery on Friday on the groin injury that had troubled him for some of last season.

"The decision to perform the procedure after his return from the World Cup was made to optimise his rehabilitation, and he is expected to return to full training in approximately three weeks."

Chelsea are due to face Manchester United in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, 8 August - a game Drogba seems sure to miss.

Chelsea Hit Back In Summer Transfer Battle With Bid For David Luiz

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is preparing to land a significant blow in his transfer battle with Manchester City.

Not satisfied with winning the race to sign Benfica midfielder Ramires in a £20million deal, Abramovich has sanctioned a second raid on the Portuguese club for their £27m-rated defender David Luiz.

The double swoop signals a return to Chelsea's big-spending days that coincided with the Russian's arrival at Stamford Bridge, and manager Carlo Ancelotti has set about reinforcing his double-winning squad with the best of Brazil's young talent.

The extravagant transfer moves are also sure to deliver a bloody nose to Manchester City, who have also been closely tracking Ramires and Luiz.

Up to now, Sheik Mansour's billions have seen City press on unopposed during the summer transfer window, with Roberto Mancini having already splashed out more than £80m on players.

But while City are likely to be challenging for honours this season following a major overhaul, it seems Chelsea's recent history of success has proved decisive in convincing 23-year-old Ramires that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed the details of Chelsea's £20m move for Ramires on Thursday.
And barring any last-minute hitches, his transfer will be finalised at the end of next week, after a holiday in his native Brazil following his exploits in the World Cup.

Ancelotti will doubtless be delighted to have got his man having searched for a central midfielder to replace Michael Ballack following his return to Bayer Leverkusen, while Deco is expected to join Brazilian side Fluminense.

Luiz, 23, is seen as a future star for Brazil having represented his country at Under 20 level. And he his already proved his class with Benfica, having been an ever-present last season as the Lisbon side won their first domestic title for five years.

Chelsea have firmed up their interest after losing Luiz's countryman Alex to a torn thigh muscle which will rule him out for a month. In addition, if Chelsea are successful in pulling off a deal for Ruiz, who like Ramires has attracted the interest of top clubs across Europe, then it may signal the end of Ricardo Carvalho's stay at Stamford Bridge.

Carvalho's former manager, Jose Mourinho, is understood to be keen for a reunion at Real Madrid. However, Rafa Benitez is eager to have the benefit of Carvalho's experience at Inter Milan as he tries to emulate Mourinho's treble winning exploits at the San Siro.

There could be a decidedly samba rhythm to Chelsea's play next season if they are also successful with a £17m move for Santos's 18-year-old striker Neymar.

Cole Can't Wait

If any Englishman managed to escape this year’s World Cup with any amount of credibility, it was Ashley Cole. The Chelsea full-back was defensively sound and offered what he could going forward.

Yes, he could’ve done more, there’s no denying that, but as the standard of England’s play fluctuated between dreadful and awful, the defender didn’t need to excel himself to become England’s best player at the tournament.

It’s off the pitch though, where Ashley Cole will get the stick.

“I hate England and the f***ing people!” Cole vented in a personal message to friends.

Cue public outrage. The Sun proclaimed it as a ‘disgraceful’ message. The red-tops then laid into the Englishman as best they could, labeling him as ‘ungrateful’ and a ‘flop’. It’s not a breed of vitriol that would be new to Cole, but, since the revelation, England’s most reviled footballer (yet, aptly our greatest performer at this year’s World Cup) has begun receiving death threats from enraged and evidently confused fans. Well, perhaps not confused but sad may be. No. Not sad. Stupid. And it’s quite unsettling to see how many people can be whipped into a nonsensical frenzy by the press.

It’s not as though the sentiment hasn’t been uttered in anger or frustration by anyone anywhere previously. This isn’t some epiphany moment in which the truth about England’s detestable nature is revealed. In fact, there are quite a few people who didn’t like England before Cole; Jamie Carragher, for example, doesn’t like England all that much; numerous British actors find the Isles dull; even the affable French think it ugly. But, nevertheless, the papers – veins still pumping with St George fever – obviously took exception to Cole’s refreshingly honest approach and so did some jingoistic fans.

But, perhaps the most revealing aspect of the whole narrative was that the message was posted before Ashley Cole even flew out to Austria for pre-tournament training and the game against Japan. That’s well over a month ago. But obviously, in order for the story to work, to create maximum uproar, the tabloids kept the story under wraps – a devious and somewhat callous way of increasing sales after the disappointing exit.

And, look, now look! He’s laughing with Ledley King! How dare he laugh as the nation mourns; how dare he look at the bright-side and get on with life as we suffer the insufferable after being beaten at football, again. He’s on £110,000 a week for god sake, he should be a broken man, drenched in uncontrollable tears, his eyes red and raw and his face contorted with grief after England’s defeat. The cheek of it!

Anyway, fortunately for all involved, Cole can bring an end to the farce with a move to Madrid to meet up with his old manager:

“I would like to have an alternative left-back to Marcelo,” revealed Jose Mourinho.

A deal of around £25million is expected to take the Englishman to the Bernabeu. Many, including himself no doubt, can’t wait.

Chelsea Duo Ashley Cole And Didier Drogba To Remain At Stamford Bridge

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied any truth in the speculation linking Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

England international Cole has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid ever since former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho took charge at the Bernabeu, while Drogba has been pin-pointed as a possible target for Manchester City.

However, Ancelotti is adamant that the pair are settled at Stamford Bridge and that neither has the desire to leave.

When speaking about Cole’s link with Real Madrid, Ancelotti simply said: "It is not true."

It was a phrase he repeated when asked about City's supposed interest in Drogba.

The Blues have also recently been linked with an interest in Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero, but Ancelotti has denied any interest in the Argentina striker, who won the Europa League with Atletico last season.

"No, it is not true," said Ancelotti.

Chelsea Defender Ricardo Carvalho Admits Moving To Real Madrid Would Be 'A Dream'

Chelsea centre-back Ricardo Carvalho has expressed his desire to join up with his former mentor Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old centre-back admitted moving to the Spanish giants would be ‘a dream’ and a potential reunion with the self-proclaimed 'Special One' would be welcomed.

Despite lifting a domestic double with Chelsea last season, the Portugal international has been linked with a move to Inter Milan this summer.

"If there was a possibility to sign with Real Madrid, I would go there right now swimming or running," he told Spanish sports newspaper AS.

"It would be a dream to be able to play for Madrid, which I consider to be the best club in the world, and follow the orders of the best coach in the history of football.

"With [Jose] Mourinho I experienced two marvellous stages at Porto and Chelsea. To have the opportunity to win another Champions League with him at Real Madrid would be tremendous."

Mourinho initially managed Carvalho at Porto, where they won the UEFA Champions League in 2004. Carvalho then shadowed his former boss to Chelsea, but last season picked up an ankle injury at the end of March which ruled him out of the remainder of the campaign.

However, with fellow defender Alex recently sustaining a thigh injury - sidelining the Brazilian for a month - any potential transfer could be on hold.

Petr Cech Injury And Ross Turnbull Horror-Show Give Carlo Ancelotti Goalkeeping Headache

Carlo Ancelotti’s body language said it all. The fixed glare straight ahead. The purse of the lips. Arms folded. He did not need to utter a single word.

Ross Turnbull’s second howler in the space of 21 minutes in the Amsterdam Arena had surely blown any chance he might have had of replacing the injured Petr Cech in Chelsea’s Premier League curtain-raiser against West Bromwich Albion.

While Turnbull’s sixth-minute own goal owed something to ill fortune, the second was an error of judgement so colossal that it will be a shock if it has not inked Henrique Hilario’s name into the starting XI for the kick-off at Stamford Bridge on August 14.

The first goal Chelsea conceded in pre-season was not quite of Robert Green's 'Aunties-Bloomers' proportions. However, after Ajax’s Rasmus Lindgren was allowed too much time to send over a right-wing cross, Turnbull, distracted by team-mate Jeffrey Bruma, could only watch in horror as the ball deflected off his arm and into the net.

Yet the stand-in 'keeper’s second blunder, shortly after Daniel Sturridge had thundered in a deserved equalizer, was a sign of a goalkeeper whose confidence and decision-making was shot to pieces.

A simple goal-kick by Holland's first-choice shot-stopper Maarten Stekelenburg seemingly offered no threat to the 25-year-old’s goal. Turnbull, keen to keep the game moving, raced to the right-hand side of his penalty box, misjudged the bounce and his momentum took him out of the area as he slipped on the turf.

Rather than being penalized for handball, he released his grip and Siem de Jong was composed enough to delay his laughter before tapping the ball into the unguarded net.

Turnbull looked at the heavens, waved his arms helplessly and knew his chances of standing in for Cech, who has been ruled out for at least at month by the club’s medical staff after tearing his right calf muscle in training, are about as good as Green patrolling the England goal for the unwanted friendly against Hungary next month.

Thereafter, Turnbull was inevitably jeered by the Ajax supporters who filled most of the bottom tier of the stadium whenever he touched the ball, or had to fulfill the most basic of keeping duties.

He was hauled off at half-time and replaced by Hilario, but Ancelotti had, in any case, planned beforehand to split the keeping duties between the two reserves.

Although the Portuguese produced a far more assured display after the break, and his seniority would probably have won him the nod for the Premier League curtain-raiser even without Turnbull's horror-show, the Chelsea manager did not go overboard in his vote of confidence for the back-up pair.

“We just have to hope [Petr] Cech recovers quickly. But we have two other goalkeepers and have to keep faith with them,” said the Italian.

“Everyone could see Turnbull didn't have a good performance but that can happen to any young 'keeper and I still trust him.”

Although Cech is not perhaps the 'uber-safe' guardian he was in Jose Mourinho’s two Premier League winning teams, he would still walk into most top European sides. Chelsea fans will not need reminding that his sporadic absences through injury over the last four years have often coincided with defenders getting the jitters.

Only last season, Chelsea suffered a rare home defeat when Cech was 'hors de combat' as Manchester City were kings of the bridge with a 4-2 win.

Although 34-year-old Hilaro made his international debut in March, he has never suggested cast-iron surety when he has stepped in for Cech and is prone to rather-too-frequent-for-comfort lapses of concentration.

The first chink in Chelsea’s title defence has been opened.

Franco Di Santo On Loan List At Chelsea As Blues Join Hunt For Inter's Mario Balotelli

Chelsea are preparing to offload Franco Di Santo on loan and speculation is rife that the Blues are setting their sights on the Inter starlet Mario Balotelli as a replacement.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Blues are planning to farm-out their 21-year-old striker, who spent last season with Blackburn Rovers, to make squad space at Stamford Bridge ahead of the new campaign.

Dutch club Feyenoord is reportedly interested in Di Santo, while Wigan Athletic, Blackburn, Bolton Wanderers and FC Twente are also thought to be in the hunt for the Argentinian.

The current Premier League holders are set to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window, and after Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson made it clear Fernando Torres was not for sale, Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on Balotelli’s signature.

However, Chelsea are believed to be competing alongside Manchester City for the unsettled San Siro star.

Reaction: A Tougher Test

Carlo Ancelotti was always planning a young team for the Ajax game, coming as it did before the World Cup players are ready, but perhaps not quite so young.

Injuries to Petr Cech, Alex, Yury Zhirkov, Yossi Benayoun and Michael Mancienne removed players with plenty of first-team experience from the trip to Amsterdam.

Eight of the starting line-up and six of the subs used were 21 years old or younger and despite the 3-1 defeat in the friendly, Ancelotti could see merit in the 90 minutes.

'For our young players it was more difficult than the last game [at Crystal Palace],' he said.

'They did their best and it is normal for young players to play this kind of game. It was more difficult but it was a good test for them. They are disappointed with the result but individually the performance of the young players was good.

'It was the second game of the pre-season, we have to improve, but I can be happy for this performance.'

In the absence of Cech, the first half was Ross Turnbull and the second was Hilario's. The Portuguese stopper was beaten late on for the third goal but before the break, an Ajax cross was turned in via Jeffery Bruma and Turnbull to open the scoring. Then after Daniel Sturridge had equalised, a Turnbull mistake gave the Dutch team the chance to make it 2-1.

'Ross Turnbull didn't have a good performance but it can happen,' said his manager.

'A goalkeeper above all positions at the start of the season can have a not good performance. We have trust in him and it is better he has a game like this now than when there is a Premier League game.'

Ancelotti expressed hope that Cech and Alex will be fit for the start of the season and expects Benayoun to rejoin full training next week.

On Monday the last of the World Cup players return too.

'We decided to give them the holiday because after a very long season they need to have a recovery. They came back at the right time and they have time to be fit for the start of the season.

'The World Cup was a different story, that is finished and now they will be focused on their season for Chelsea.'

He also expressed satisfaction in Michael Essien's condition. The Ghanaian added 73 minutes to the 62 he played at Palace.

'Essien is very well and I think he is fit to play. The injury is behind him and this is a good thing for us.'

Match Report: Ajax 3 - 1 Chelsea

Chelsea's pre-season preparations went continental this evening with a friendly at Ajax's impressive Amsterdam ArenA. However, a very young team was unable to produce a win against Holland's runners-up as the hosts, using a number of first-team regulars, ran out 3-1 winners.

While the first batch of World Cup participants in the Blues squad were finishing their second day of training back in Cobham, there were two changes to the side that defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday.

Petr Cech and Alex, both injured, remained in England while Ross Turnbull started in goal and Jeffrey Bruma stepped inside from right-back to fill the slot vacated by the Brazilian centre-back. The full-back slot the Dutch teenager had previously occupied went to Billy Clifford.

Josh McEachran joined Bruma and Clifford in a line-up that included three of last season's FA Youth Cup-winning side, rather aptly against a club renowned for running their own virtual conveyor belt of young talent over the years. One of those Ajax Academy products, Mario Melchiot, was among the crowd to watch his former teams take each other on, having recently agreed a move from Wigan to Um Salal of Qatar.

From kick-off, the contingent of Chelsea supporters - the only spectators to be found in the upper tier of the bowl-shaped stadium - made themselves heard around the ground that will host a Champions League qualifier next Wednesday. However, with just six minutes on the clock it was the home fans filling the lower tier who were cheering, when Christian Eriksen's cross from the right deflected past Turnbull off the head of the unfortunate Bruma.

In response, Chelsea looked to calm the game down and retain the ball, with both young full-backs showing they were willing to burst forward and offer width in possession. The final ball, however, was lacking when it came to creating chances.

Lacking, that is, until Mikel picked the ball up on the halfway line on 25 minutes and found Franco Di Santo on the edge of the Ajax area with a measured pass. The Argentinean was challenged as he looked to pass Toby Alderweireld, but the loose ball fell invitingly into the path of the arriving Daniel Sturridge and his first-time left-foot finish evaded Holland's World Cup keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Unfortunately for the Blues, the scores remained level for no more than a minute. Stekelenburg's first touch after picking the ball out of his net was to send a long ball up-field, which Turnbull dived to gather up, only to see the ball squirm loose, leaving Siem De Jong to roll the ball into an empty net from the left-hand side of the box.

After those hectic moments, the tempo notably slowed up until 10 minutes before the break, when Billy Clifford's lung-busting run nearly paid off as he was picked out in space wide right by McEachran. His first-time cross was headed behind for a corner with Di Santo lurking but the set play came to nothing and the Blues went in at half-time a goal behind.

Half-time changes, in pre-season games, are inevitable and both McEachran and Billy Clifford were withdrawn at the outset of the second half, making way for Scott Sinclair and 15-year-old defensive prospect Nathaniel Chalobah. The latter change was a like-for-like swap at right-back, while Sinclair slotted in alongside Sturridge behind Di Santo as the team adopted a Christmas tree formation. In goal, Hilario replaced Turnbull to make it three substitutions at the halfway stage.

And the Portuguese stopper found himself involved one-on-one with Marvin Zeegelaar on 58 minutes as the Ajax wideman burst through the Blues backline. But, after lingering until the angle became rather acute, he shot across goal and wide as Hilario made himself big at his near post.

Shortly after the hour, there were more changes involving our triumphant Youth Cup side of last season when Milan Lalkovic replaced Di Santo, the left-winger's entrance allowing Sturridge to move up front alone, with Sinclair taking up a wide role on the right of a 4-3-3. Simultaneously, there was a re-shuffle at the back with Patrick van Aanholt leaving the field to be replaced by Rohan Ince. The substitute took up his usual place in the centre of defence, allowing Bertrand to move into his own favoured position at left-back.

In a half of few chances, there was a further change in the 73rd minute when Jack Cork entered the fray in place of Michael Essien, who had continued his comeback without any injury problems.

Moments later and another of Ajax's Dutch World Cup squad members, Demy De Zeeuw almost made a telling impact shortly after joining the game, flicking the ball into the area and looking to cut inside Ince. But the big centre-back stood his ground and dispossessed his man under pressure before playing the ball out of danger.

Unfortunately, there was to be no opportunity for his team-mates at the other end to capitalise on his intervention and it was Ajax who stole a late goal to clinch a 3-1 victory. Hyun Jun Suk arrived at the back post to slide home Daley Blind's cross following an incisive pass from Roly Bonevacia - all three players had entered the game as second-half substitutes.

There was no time for Chelsea to respond before the final whistle was blown. They will, instead, have to wait until our trip to Frankfurt on Sunday 1 July to resume their preparations for the new season. On that date, of course, Carlo will also have at his disposal those players returning from World Cup duty.

Benfica Star Ramires Chooses Chelsea Over Man City

Benfica midfielder Ramires will join Chelsea next week in a £20 million deal, according to ESPNsoccernet sources.

Carlo Ancelotti wants the defensive midfield player having lost two experienced stars this summer in Joe Cole and Michael Ballack. Deco is expected to follow with only Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun coming in so far.

Ramires is now heading for Stamford Bridge with the deal virtually done and expected to be finalized in the next few days.

Ramires, 23, was one of the big successes of Brazil's World Cup campaign as they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa. Dunga, who was ousted as coach after the country's exit, stressed that Ramires was badly missed after suspension ruled him out of the 2-1 defeat by Netherlands.

Ramires is also wanted by Manchester City, who is ready to outbid Chelsea, but a source said: "He has opted to go to Chelsea, and the deal can be done in the next couple of days, certainly by next week."

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has met with intermediaries representing both Chelsea and Manchester City, but the player has chosen to move to the reigning Premier League champions. Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also been linked with the player but the two English clubs have the financial resources to make the deal happen.

Ramires said recently: "My agent has told me that a number of clubs are interested in signing me, but this didn't surprise me. We all know that the World Cup is the perfect stage to prove your worth.

"One good game could be enough to attract the interest of a big club. I don't know the names of the clubs that are after me, but it would be a dream for me to play for a big club such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea."

Nottingham Forest Eye Loan Move For Chelsea Prospect Patrick van Aanholt

Nottingham Forest want to sign Chelsea youngster Patrick van Aanholt on loan to boost their Premier League promotion prospects, according to The Sun.

Van Aanholt, 19, impressed during spells at Coventry City and Newcastle United last season. Comfortable at either left back or centre back, the Netherlands youth international would boost manager Billy Davies' options at the City Ground.

With Ashley Cole, Yury Zhirkov and Paulo Ferreira all ahead of him in the pecking order at the Blues, van Aanholt is believed to be ready for another temporary spell away. Top flight new boys Newcastle are set to provide competition for the Midlanders for his signature.

Chelsea Defender Alex To Miss Start Of Season After Picking Up Thigh Injury

Chelsea defender Alex is set to miss the start of the new Premier League season after picking up a thigh injury in training.

The Brazilian is estimated to be facing around a month on sidelines as he recovers, which leaves the Blues short of central defensive cover going into the new campaign.

Chelsea are already struggling in other areas of the pitch, as goalkeeper Petr Cech is already out for a similar timescale due to a calf injury.

That means the champions and FA Cup winners will have to rely on Hilario or Ross Turnbull between the sticks for the Community Shield against Manchester United and their first two league fixtures against West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic.

Winger Yossi Benayoun, who joined the club from Liverpool in a £5.5 million deal this summer, is also struggling with a groin problem, but it is as yet unclear whether he will win the race to be fit in time to feature in those games.

Chelsea’s injury hit squad face Martin Jol’s Ajax in their second pre-season friendly on Friday, after beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park in their first game back.

Bologna Want Chelsea Midfielder Nemanja Matic On Loan

Bologna is targeting a possible loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Blues last summer, but made only three substitute appearances last season.

Bologna is keen to strengthen their team after finishing only a place above the Serie A relegation zone last season.

Matic has already won two caps for the senior Serbian national side, despite his youthful age, but missed out on selection for the World Cup 2010 squad.

Father Of Neymar Angry After Santos Reject Chelsea Bid For His Son's Services

The father of Santos starlet Neymar has spoken of his dismay after the Brazilian club rejected a transfer offer from Chelsea without even consulting the player.

Sr. Neymar da Silva feels that Santos should be listening to the wishes of his son, and at least communicating with him over the current situation.

The Premier League giants had an offer in the region of £17 million officially rejected on Tuesday, leaving the 18-year-old’s father far from impressed over the whole affair.

“Santos just said ‘no’ before even talking with us,” he said to Lancenet. “Why would they do that?

”They must listen to Neymar to know what he has to say about it.”

Many Brazil fans wanted the starlet, who has gained a reputation as one of his country's most promising young forwards, to play in this summer's World Cup — but former national coach Dunga decided to leave him out of the squad for South Africa.

Despite having their bid rejected, Chelsea reportedly remains interested and was hoping their bid would at least serve as a starting point for negotiations.

However, when the rejection was announced on Tuesday, Santos made it clear they were not keen on selling to anyone.

"Santos FC states that, in the in the late morning of Tuesday (20), we received an official offer from Chelsea FC of England for the economic rights of striker Neymar," a statement on the club's official website read.

"President Alvaro Luis Ribeiro de Oliveira has sent response to the English club thanking them for the interest and reiterating that the Santos FC has no interest in opening trading."

Lancenet reports that Neymar, his father and Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro will hold an informal meeting tomorrow to discuss the player’s ‘career plan’ and how the current transfer situation with Chelsea is set to proceed.

Sr. Neymar insists that whatever happens, there cannot be any regrets in the future over how the situation was handled.

“What about his future? Whether he is staying or even if he is moving, there cannot be any regrets from either side,” he said.

Dinamo Bucharest Star Marius Alexe On Chelsea Radar

According to a report in ProSport, Premier League champions Chelsea are considering making a move for promising youngster Marius Alexe, currently under contract with Romanian titans Dinamo Bucharest.

The 20-year-old attacker is considered to be one of the most exciting youngsters around in European football and he's even been touted as 'the new Adrian Mutu' in his native country.

Alexe was in superb form in the 2009-10 season and his good performance apparently left a mark with the rest of Europe. Chelsea have scouted the attacker on several occasions and the Blues are reportedly impressed with the young attacker's potential.

The Romania under-21 star has an ongoing contract with Dinamo Bucharest and the White and Reds are reluctant to let go of their star attacker. However, Dinamo could be tempted to cash in on Alexe if an offer in the region of €5 million comes in.

Mancienne Still A Target

Wolves have not yet given up on agreeing a deal to take Michael Mancienne from Chelsea.

If Mancienne does return to Molineux this season it would be the third season he has been part of our squad. Which of course might prove pivotal if we are to get him, as surely he probably feels more at home amongst the Wolves squad than he does with his Chelsea teammates?

But while Michael Mancienne may well want to join us on a permanent switch, Chelsea are yet to agree a fee for the England under-21 international.

Wolves have been fairly open with our evaluation of around £4million, but Chelsea (because their skint these days) want more.

The negotiations though can continue for a while longer, as the Express & Star believe we have to sell before we can buy anyway.

The paper also believes that it isn't a case of either signing Guirane N`Daw on loan or buying Michael Mancienne and that Mick McCarthy may well want to bring both players to the club.

But the shape of McCarthy's squad isn't likely to take its full shape until after the close of the summer transfer window as Mick looks to do some late wheeling and dealing.

Chelsea Chase £20m Ramires And £17 Million Neymar In Brazilian Double Raid

Chelsea have offered Benfica £20 million for Brazilian World Cup star Ramires, reports the Daily Mail.

The popular 'Blue Kenyan' is also being courted by Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Representatives of the 23-year-old say moving to Stamford Bridge would be a 'dream move' for the Brazilian.

Ramires himself is quoted as saying: "It would be a dream for me to play for a big club such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea."

Ramires caught the eye when he embarked on an impressive run before setting up Robinho to score in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Chile during World Cup 2010.

Meanwhile Brazilian side Santos has told the Blues their £17m bid for wonderkid Neymar does not reach their valuation.

Santos want £30m but the 18-year-old is keen on a Premier League move and the World Cup star could force his club's hand.

If Santos Starlet Neymar Wants To Join Chelsea We Will Try To Make It Happen - Agent

Santos starlet Neymar will make the final decision on his transfer to Chelsea after the club failed to meet his £29.5 million buyout clause, according to his agent.

The Premier League champions have already seen a £16.9 million bid rejected for the highly-rated Brazil youth international yesterday. After scoring 12 goals in 35 appearances for the Sao Paulo-based outfit, manager Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be eager to bring the player to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to the SporTV television channel, agent Wagner Ribeiro confirmed Chelsea's previous offer and then insisted Neymar's will would go a long way to deciding his future if he decides to force through a transfer.

He said: "Today, I'm going to have a meeting with the boy's parents and also with a senior manager at Santos, Pedro Luiz Nunes Conception. But the more important [aspect to] this story is the will of the boy. If he says he wants to leave we will talk with the president [Luis Álvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro] and Pedro Luiz. Hence, we must also talk to the investor to negotiate with Chelsea."

Ribeiro also went on to confirm that an offer of £17.7m would not be enough to conclude the deal as the player is part-owned by the SONDA agency. This figure would only meet the 60 per cent owned by Santos, and would fall short of the overall figure of £29.5m needed to meet the release clause for all parties.

Feyenoord Confirm Interest In Chelsea Striker Franco Di Santo

Feyenoord's technical director Leo Beenhakker has confirmed that the Eredivisie giants are interested in signing young Chelsea attacker Franco di Santo on a one-year loan deal.

The Rotterdam side is in the market for a new striker following the retirement of Roy Makaay earlier this summer and head coach Mario Been supposedly sees Di Santo as the perfect replacement.

"The team is looking pretty good at the moment. We only need one more striker and we're done on the transfer market. Di Santo is indeed one of the players we're interested in, but there's a lot of competition in the race for his signature," said Beenhakker to Voetbal International.

The 21-year-old Di Santo joined Chelsea from Audax Italiano in January 2008, but the Argentinian striker has so far failed to make an impact at the Blues. He was farmed out on loan to Blackburn Rovers last term and scored one goal in 22 league appearances.

Feyenoord reportedly face competition from Wigan Athetic and Twente in the race for Di Santo's services.

Petr Cech To Miss Start Of Premier League Season With Calf Injury

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is set to be sidelined for the start of the Premier League season after tearing a calf muscle in his right leg, the club has confirmed.

Cech, 28, suffered the blow in training yesterday and is expected to be missing for the next month. This has ruled him out of the remaining pre-season friendlies, the Charity Shield clash against Manchester United on August 8 and at least the opening fixture in the defence of their league crown against West Bromwich Albion on August 14.

The Czech Republic international endured a similar knock in the last campaign against Inter in the Champions League and missed several weeks of action between February and March. Reserve shot-stoppers Henrique Hilario and Ross Turnbull will now compete to fill in between the posts at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Won’t Sign Cech Replacement

Chelsea are not intending to buy a new goalkeeper during the transfer window despite the confirmation yesterday that their first-choice No 1, Petr Cech, will miss the start of the season through injury.

Chelsea is confident they have enough cover after Cech was ruled out for a month with a tear in his right calf.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury in training on Tuesday and scans revealed the damage would eliminate him from the rest of the club's pre-season build-up.

Cech will also miss the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley on August 8 as well as the start of Chelsea's defence of the title against West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge the following weekend.

The Czech Republic's player of the year was out of action for two months earlier this year with a similar injury he sustained during Chelsea's Champions League match against Internazionale. He was replaced by Hilario for the remainder of the opening leg in Italy but Ross Turnbull played in the return leg, which Chelsea lost 1-0, after the Portuguese keeper also collected an injury.

A spokesman said: “Scans have shown Petr has torn a calf muscle in his right leg and is expected to be out for a month. He suffered the injury yesterday in training and is now expected to miss the start of our competitive season, as well as the remainder of our pre-season friendlies, the next of which comes at Ajax on Friday.”

Henrique Hilário Steps Up After Petr Cech Is Ruled Out For A Month

Henrique Hilário is in line to start the new season in goal for Chelsea, after the club confirmed that Petr Cech had torn the calf muscle in his right leg and would be sidelined for the next four weeks.

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager, is expected to prefer Hilário to his other back-up goalkeeper, Ross Turnbull, for the Community Shield fixture against Manchester United two weeks on Sunday and the Premier League opener at home to West Bromwich Albion the following Saturday. If Cech's rehabilitation goes according to plan, he should be back for the game at Wigan Athletic on 21 August.

Cech had returned to Chelsea training on 5 July, together with Hilário and Turnbull, and he had hoped to benefit from a full pre-season, as a side-effect of the Czech Republic failing to qualify for the World Cup. But after playing for 30 minutes in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday he will now miss the club's remaining friendlies against Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburg.

Hilário was put through extra training yesterday by the goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon, after Cech felt his calf muscle tear during a routine jog and the 34-year-old Portuguese, who made 11 appearances in all competitions last season, is preparing for a return to the spotlight.

Kakuta Feels No Guilt

Chelsea attacker Gael Kakuta believes he has nothing to feel guilty about following his controversial transfer from Lens.

The 19-year-old Frenchman moved to Stamford Bridge back in 2007, although the Ligue 1 club was outraged at his switch to the Premier League.

Lens claimed the player's move was in breach of his contract and last year Fifa banned Kakuta from playing for four months and barred Chelsea from making any signings in the next two transfer windows.

The sanctions were subsequently rescinded following an appeal from the Blues to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, ruling that he did not have a legitimate contract with Les Sang et Or despite spending eight years with the club.

Kakuta does not believe he did anything wrong regarding his transfer, and does not feel guilty.

He told L'Equipe: "I was calm. I had nothing to feel guilty about.

"I couldn't care less. I went on working. That is football, you know."

All To Play For In France

Chelsea's band of Under 19 internationals were in action again on Wednesday, with a win, a loss and a draw.

Gael Kakuta once again played the full 90 minutes for hosts France, who recorded their second big win in four days, this time destroying Austria 5-0.

Just like on Sunday, Kakuta's fine solo work ended in a goal, though this time not for himself, as after beating three men before passing to Alexandre Lacazette to finish the move six minutes after the hour. That was the second of the game, and Lacazette would claim another before the final whistle, Antoine Griezemann also netting a brace before Enzo Reale completed the rout.

It guarantees France's place in the semi-finals prior to their final group game against England, who were beaten 1-0 by Holland despite the presence of Chelsea midfielder Jacob Mellis, who started after an impressive stint as a late sub on Sunday.

In his 83 minutes on the field, Mellis created two decent opportunities for team-mates but neither was converted, meaning Noel Blake's side must beat France if they are to progress into the last four.

Ten-man Italy are still looking for their first goal of the tournament but they did pick up a point with a goalless draw against Croatia.

Fabio Borini once again captained the Italians and went close early on with an effort cleared off the line, but could find no breakthrough, even after the introduction of club colleague Jacopo Sala with 21 minutes remaining.

It meant a clean sheet for Chelsea-bound Croatian goalkeeper Matej Delac, who twice denied forward Mattia Destro, the top scorer in qualifying.

The final round of group games take place on Saturday, when Croatia meet Portugal and Italy take on Spain, who secured a 2-1 win against the Portuguese.

Chelsea Warn Ashley Cole The Grass Is No Greener In Madrid

Chelsea chairman, Bruce Buck, believes Ashley Cole would not escape the intrusion into his private life with a transfer to an overseas club.

The Chelsea and England left-back feels hounded in England, where his every movement is tracked by the paparazzi and he has been installed as public enemy No1 in some quarters following his separation from his pop-star wife, Cheryl.

Cole has three years to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge and he loves playing for Chelsea but cannot tolerate the manner in which his private life has been placed under the most unforgiving of microscopes. Quite simply, He is unable to live his life and friends believe the situation has become so bad that he would seriously consider a move to a leading club on the continent.

Real Madrid, who are managed by Cole's former manager at Chelsea, José Mourinho, have an interest in him, although they have yet to make any official contact with the relevant figures at Stamford Bridge. Cole has maintained a good relationship with Mourinho. Buck, however, is not only adamant that Cole is not for sale but he is determined to work with the player to help him to find and enjoy some tranquillity off the pitch.

"Ashley is a superb player. He is a delight to deal with around the football club, he gets on very well with everyone, he trains very well and he is really a model athlete," Buck said. "Obviously, he is not happy with how his private life has become the focus of everything around him and I think we'd like to work with him so that he has a bit of a lower profile. We don't think the problem will change if he went to somewhere else outside of the UK, so I think we want to work with him here to make his personal life more enjoyable."

Buck was asked whether there was the recognition at Chelsea that Cole needed such help. "We say to all our players that might have personal issues that we want to help them as much as we can and even Carlo [Ancelotti, the manager] has said that on several occasions," Buck replied. "There is a limit to what we can do but obviously we want to support our players and we want them to be happy not only on the pitch but also in their private lives. If you are not happy in your private life, it's hard to focus on your professional life."

Were Cole to decamp to Madrid, for example, it is unlikely that the paparazzi would leave him alone, knowing that he might continue to make the news in the United Kingdom. It could even make the situation worse. Buck added he was "not worried" that the intrusion and controversy would drive Cole away. "Ashley Cole is not for sale," he said. "That's the bottom line on that. There's no doubt that he's going to be a Chelsea player this season."

Buck had a similar message over Didier Drogba, in the wake of one of the striker's advisors claiming to have had "direct contact" with Manchester City over a possible move for the striker to Eastlands. Thierno Seydi's comments have been rubbished by City and greeted with faint amusement behind the scenes at Chelsea.

"The club position is pretty straightforward," Buck said. "Didier had the golden boot, Didier had a great season, Didier is an important part of our plans for this season and the future and he is not for sale."

Chelsea have grown weary of being linked to every big name in world football and the latest one came today, when the Brazilian club Santos said they had rejected a bid from Stamford Bridge for the highly rated 18-year-old striker Neymar. Reports in Brazil said that the offer to the club was in the region of £17m.

Buck admitted Chelsea were "looking at some things", having released Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, and with Deco being heavily linked with a move to his native Brazil. Yossi Benayoun, signed from Liverpool, is the club's only summer acquisition thus far, but Buck does not envisage "anything major" in terms of transfers.

"We're very happy with the squad we have now," Buck said, "so if there are any more additions, it will be fine-tuning. Whether or not they'll work out, who knows? We'll just see how it goes over the next six weeks."

Chelsea Insist That Didier Drogba Is Not For Sale Amidst Manchester City Rumours

English champions Chelsea have released a statement indicating that star striker Didier Drogba is staying put at Stamford Bridge.

This follows media speculation on Tuesday suggesting that Manchester City were lining up a bid for the player.

Drogba's agent, Thierno Seydi, said in a radio interview that he had had contact with City.

However, this claim was refuted by the Citizens on Tuesday and now Chelsea themselves have stated that 'the Drog' is not for sale.

"It is all irrelevant, Didier Drogba is not for sale," said a Chelsea spokesman, according to Sky Sports.

Drogba was a key player in the Blues' Premier League success last season.

Real Madrid Prepared To Sweeten Ashley Cole Deal By Offering Kaka To Chelsea

Real Madrid are prepared to break Chelsea's resolve to keep Ashley Cole by offering Brazil superstar Kaka in exchange, according to The Mirror.

The England World Cup 2010 left back is understood to be determined to leave the country due to the press attention following his split from wife, Cheryl. After bringing him to the Blues in 2006, new Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is reported to be ready to seize the chance to have a reunion with the former Arsenal player.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has declared he has no intention of letting Cole go even for a reported £30 million. This position could be weakened, however, if Kaka was sent to Stamford Bridge in an exchange.

The attacking midfielder endured a debut campaign of disappointment at the Bernabeu after suffering a decline in form and fitness. Ancelotti brought the best out of the £56 million signing at AC Milan and could be tempted by the opportunity bringing the best out of him again.

Chelsea Could Join Manchester United & Manchester City In Race To Sign Inter Striker Mario Balotelli

Chelsea are believed to be lining up a late bid to sign Inter forward Mario Balotelli, should their pursuit of Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres end in a failure to sign the Spaniard.

The 19-year-old Balotelli endured a difficult time under former boss Jose Mourinho, as he was frozen out of the squad on numerous occasions - including a Champions League game against Chelsea.

And despite the appointment of a new manager in the form of Rafael Benitez, the rising star is still being linked with a move away from the San Siro. The Spaniard was recently non-committal about whether or not the former Lumezzane man is set for an exit from the Milan-based club.

Now The Daily Mail reports that the west London club is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the young set-piece specialist's future, as an alternative if they are unable to land Liverpool forward Torres.

Inter were previously reported to be asking £34 million for Balotelli.

Chelsea Fail To Get Neymar From Santos

Chelsea have had a £17million offer for Brazilian teenager Neymar rejected by his club Santos.

The Brazilians claimed Chelsea tabled a bid for the youngster yesterday but it was turned down by Santos, who insists they want £30m for the player regarded as one of the most promising prospects to come out of the country in years.

Chelsea have been following striker Neymar, 18, for a year, and West Ham last week failed with a bid.

Chelsea are also chasing Liverpool star Fernando Torres but Neymar, who has scored 27 goals in all competitions since the turn of the year, would fit the bill of bringing in the world’s best youngsters to the club.

Mourinho Plots Bid For Chelsea Star

Jose Mourinho is preparing another attempt to land Ricardo Carvalho, this time for new club Real Madrid.

The former Blues boss tried to land the Portuguese defender last summer only for the proposed deal to fall through but Chelsea might be more open to an offer in the vicinity of £5million this time round.

Another of Carvalho's former team-mates at Porto, midfielder Deco, also seems finally set to leave Stamford Bridge after two seasons, with Fluminese expected to land the Brazilian-born 32-year-old.

Deco said: "It's been 13 years since I left Brazil for playing in Europe. Now I want to go back home and play in my country because I have never been able to win a title there.

"I want to return to Brazil most of all because of personal reasons but I am still in contract at Chelsea and I have to resolve that.

"Without doubt I know that I owe it to my career to win a title in Brazil. I expect to have my situation resolved before July 26 for being able to travel to Brazil as soon as possible."

Cech A Doubt For Chelsea Opener After Injuring Calf In Training

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech suffered a calf injury in training on Tuesday and could be ruled out for the champions' first Premier League game of the season against West Bromwich Albion.

The Czech Republic international pulled up while running during a session at the club's training ground in Cobham and was taken for a scan to determine the damage with his right leg covered in a protective boot.

Cech, 28, fears the injury could be a recurrence of the tear he suffered last season during the first leg of the Champions League tie with Internazionale in Milan. The injury ruled him out for four weeks during a vital stage of the season and he missed five games, including the return leg against Inter in which Chelsea were eliminated.

Chelsea, whose next game is a friendly against Ajax on Friday, will play against Manchester United in the FA Community Shield at Wembley on 8 August before starting the defence of their Premier League title against West Brom on 14 August.

Sturridge Stepping Up

Despite being one of Chelsea's more senior players at Crystal Palace on Saturday, Daniel Sturridge remains a relative youngster in the first team squad.

The 20-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge a year ago after leaving Manchester City, and has made steady progress in that time, picking up the first medals of his professional career.

As he explained to the Official Chelsea Website, merely being in the presence of some of his team-mates has aided his development.

'I think all the players have helped me, in some way or another. They all give their input, and the little things that you need to hear,' said the forward.

'It helps a lot, we have a lot of world-class players here, and they always will help the younger players progress in every way possible. This is a good club to learn things off the bigger players.

'As time goes on, those things you learn go into your game, and you end up becoming a better player just off natural instinct. Just training with these players makes you a better player, and the skills that you learn are a huge bonus on the field.'

Now he hopes to put into practice on a regular basis what he has picked up over the past 12 months, and he feels he is not alone in knocking on the door for a regular place. An early pre-season with our World Cup players missing is the perfect opportunity to impress Carlo Ancelotti, who fielded only six players aged 21 or over against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

'Hopefully, now is the time for me to step up and show what I've learned from last season, and to show everyone what I can do,' Sturridge said.

'We have a load of good, young players - Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick van Aanholt, Gael Kakuta - that can step in, they just need an opportunity.

'They need a lot of patience, also, in actually getting into the team, because it's not easy. Now is just one of those situations where a lot of players get their chance, and they're all working very hard. We've got a lot of players here that can make the grade, and all the young players should get an opportunity to show that.'

Manchester City Deny Interest In Signing Chelsea Star Didier Drogba

Manchester City have moved to distance themselves from the speculation linking them with a possible swoop for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba this summer.

Drogba's agent Thierno Seydi had stated that he had had "direct contact" with City and that there might be some surprising events before the end of the transfer window.

However, City, whose prime striking target this summer appears to be Inter's Mario Balotelli, have denied that they are lining up a bid for the Ivorian front man.

"We can categorically state we have no interest in signing Didier Drogba and any suggestion of an approach is entirely without foundation," City's director of communications Vicky Kloss told The Times.

Rafael Benitez Open To Mario Balotelli Sale As Chelsea Try To Hijack Manchester City's Deal

Inter coach Rafael Benitez has opened the door to Mario Balotelli leaving the club as Chelsea cut across Manchester City's path for the striker.

Massimo Moratti and the player's agent Mino Raiola ran the rule over the hitman after suggesting he was likely to leave.

The club chief said City's interest was real, whereas Raiola confirmed on Monday his client was heading out as "all doors remained open," hinting other clubs were on standby in case City talks crumble.

And Benitez has joined the chorus of voices as he holds the door from closing. The Spaniard's words, aware Balotelli is negotiating with City who are in Italy to close a deal, suggest he is relying on Samuel Eto'o for next season.

The coach also admitted he would be powerless to stop Balotelli from being sold as he steps away from talks.

"Balotelli? Let’s wait and see what happens. The club decides the transfer market and I adapt. The fact remains that one player doesn't make the team, and Inter have plenty of strong players," Benitez told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I have spoken to Eto'o. He is a great professional and is ready to do what the team needs."

City appear strongest to sign the striker, but Raiola's throw-away line of "all doors remain open, there are other clubs," has led to reports claiming Chelsea are trying to stop City and shop the hitman.

Gazzetta reports Inter have received a substantial offer from City, but they are waiting for Chelsea to make their move and respond.

They are keen on "Supermario" as coach Carlo Ancelotti feels he will be a better partner for Didier Drogba compared to Fernando Torres - the Blues other notable target.

It seems Inter are hoping the trio of clubs, Manchester United are also hovering, contend each other in a bidding frenzy as they press for the best possible deal.

Sky Sport Italia claim Balotelli will not leave with the team for their friendly tour at the weekend, adding further weight that he will seal his transfer to the Premier League by the end of the week.

Chelsea Plan £25m Bid For Santos Striker Neymar

Chelsea are set to splash the cash to land £25 million-rated Santos starlet Neymar, according to The Express.

Neymar, 18, is regarded as one of the most exciting youngsters in world football and has already helped himself to 12 goals in 35 first team appearances.

This form had seen Manchester City agree a first option for the player with Santos — which expires when Robinho's loan ends on August 4 — and prompted West Ham United to make a £16 million bid, which was rejected, earlier this month.

Chelsea were rumoured to be behind this offer, and had planned to loan the striker to the Hammers for next season.

After this deal fell through, Carlo Ancelotti is understood to have sanctioned another massive bid which would see the player arrive at Stamford Bridge immediately if accepted.

Chelsea Winger Scott Sinclair Hoping For 'Look In' At The Club Next Season

Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair is hopeful a strong pre-season can make him a first team fixture at the club.

Sinclair, 21, has been sent out on loan to a number of sides since signing from Bristol Rovers in 2005. After grabbing one goal in 18 Premier League appearances for Wigan Athletic last season, the England youth international is hopeful for a shot at success at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to the club's website, Sinclair hoped to build on his 30-minute cameo in the 1-0 weekend friendly victory against Crystal Palace — where he spent a spell on loan in 2008.

"I thought I gave them a few problems and I got a free-kick which I thought was a penalty," Sinclair said.

"It was in the box but the ref said he gave them the benefit of the doubt.

"It was nice coming back to Palace and seeing a few players I know and it is good to be back at Chelsea. Hopefully I will get a look in for the start of the season.

"The double training sessions are getting harder and harder as we go along. I am fit anyway and in a couple more weeks I should be up to a high standard of fitness."

Chelsea On Alert As Kaka And Rafael van der Vaart Near Madrid Exit

Real Madrid are once again ready to twist the knife into Roman Abramovich's grand plans with an £18million move for Germany's World Cup star Mesut Ozil.

The 21-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder is the most coveted player in Europe, but Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has made a bold move to line up Ozil, plus his national team-mates Sami Khedira of Stuttgart and Mario Gomez from Bayern Munich, for a combined £58million.

Not satisfied with wrecking Chelsea's Champions League dream with Inter Milan last season, the former Stamford Bridge darling is destined to leave his old employer bristling with envy once again.

The fall-out at Real Madrid will be intriguing. As Sportsmail revealed last month, the entrance door for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard no longer seems ajar as Madrid president Florentino Perez demands younger players of better value.

Chelsea targets Kaka and Rafael van der Vaart may be heading for the exit. With Khedira to come, Xabi Alonso pivotal and Angel Di Maria competing with Cristiano Ronaldo on the wing, there will be little room for manoeuvre.

Chelsea may have little desire to take scraps from the Real Madrid table but Kaka is no mere crumb of comfort while Van der Vaart still has plenty to offer as one of his fans, Chelsea director of football Frank Arnesen, will testify.

When Ozil left Gareth Barry and Co floundering during their World Cup humiliation, England took notice.

Abramovich was transfixed and decided then this was the player Chelsea had to have. A devout Muslim of Turkish descent, Ozil's quick feet and speed of thought have long marked him out as a star. Bremen thought as much when they splashed out £4million for him as an 18-year-old - a record German sum for a teenager.

'He's like a ghost, the way he arrives into the box unnoticed,' said one Manchester United scout. Yet it seems the obvious luxuries and the allure of the Premier League are not enough for the wunderkind from Gelsenkirchen.

Arsenal have watched him for two years; Manchester City, of course, were interested; Manchester United asked to be kept informed - having first courted him as a teenager - but Ozil, the self-confessed Barcelona fan who Franz Beckenbauer compares to Lionel Messi, has instead set his sights on becoming the new idol of the Bernabeu.

All eyes are now on Ozil and his fellow Germans to see which way they jump. Bremen general manager Klaus Allofs says he has not given up the 'ghost' but Madrid insiders claim the deal is close.

Allofs said: 'I have been told by the newspapers about these reports. But I insist that we have received no enquiries or offers for the player.

'We remain in regular contact with Mesut and his agent. We had our ideas but we have not been able to bring this to an end. We are not angry, no way. We intend to keep on trying.'

It looks like the Special One has beaten everyone to it.

Joe Cole Secures Liverpool Move

Liverpool have signed former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old England international left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season after failing to agree a new contract with the club and has agreed personal terms on a four-year deal at Anfield.

The England midfielder will undergo a medical in the next 48 hours.

Cole was linked with a number of Barclays Premier League sides, including Arsenal and Tottenham, but has opted to move to Merseyside.

He could have gone to a team offering Champions League football but has chosen to join new Reds boss Roy Hodgson at Anfield even though they can only offer the Europa League this season.

The capture of Cole was seen as being a key factor in proving to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, who have both been linked with departures after a disappointing seventh-placed finish in Rafael Benitez's final season in charge, that Liverpool can still compete for quality signings.

Cole is the second summer arrival at Liverpool after Serbia forward Milan Jovanovic joined following the expiration of his contract with Standard Liege.

Cole will be seen as a direct replacement for Yossi Benayoun, who coincidentally moved to Chelsea for £5.5million earlier this month, and only time will tell who got the better of that exchange.

Hodgson is still on the look-out for a new left-back with Fabio Aurelio having left and Emiliano Insua on the verge of completing his move to Fiorentina.

After that the Liverpool boss will hope to secure commitments from Gerrard and Torres about their futures.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp, whose father Harry was keen on signing Cole for Spurs, said reports the player was holding out for the most lucrative contract were unfair.

"From what I know, compared to other players in the Premier League now, he's not being greedy at all,'' Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"He just wants a good deal and rightfully so - he's a free agent and he's worked that situation nicely - but I know he's not asking for anything astronomical, like what is being portrayed in the press.

"He's just looking for the right club and he needs to play football now.

"He missed a lot of time at Chelsea last season with his knee injury and didn't quite get back to the level he showed previously.

"He needs to go somewhere, be loved, and play football and get back to being the Joe Cole we all know.''

Young Plymouth Argyle Squad's Late Strikes Stun Chelsea

Substitutes Lewis Coombes and James Golby scored late goals for Argyle Under-18s in an impressive, if unexpected victory over FA Youth Cup holders Chelsea, at Cobham.

The Surrey success was the junior Greens' second successive 2-1 win over Premier League Academy opposition, after their triumph at West Bromwich Albion.

Argyle assistant youth coach Kevin Nancekivell said: "We weathered the storm in the first 20 minutes and needed Ollie Chenoweth to produce three fantastic saves.

"Once we got through that we found our feet and gradually imposed ourselves.

"The second-half was very even. We looked bright and threatened as much as Chelsea and, in the end, got our reward."

Nancekivell added: "I have to say the attitude and application of the lads in the first two weeks of pre-season has been absolutely outstanding."

The Pilgrims had to survive an opening blitz from the Blues' youngsters during a one-sided first 20 minutes.

They emerged unscathed due to some wayward shooting from the home forwards and three fine saves from goalkeeper Chenoweth.

First-year professional Chenoweth, 18, from Liskeard, was playing his first pre-season match action after being omitted from the senior squad's trip to the Netherlands.

The powerful defending of centre-back Curtis Nelson and ball-winning attributes of midfielder Jordan Berry came to the forem, as the Greens began to turn the tide.

Right-back Jack Stephens, left-winger Jake Baker and striker Matt Rickard all threatened to open the scoring. And, on the stroke of half-time, centre-back Sam Sawyer sent a header from a right-wing free kick thudding onto the Chelsea crossbar.

Midfielder Jordan Copp and Rickard went close to breaking the deadlock early in the second half, but the Greens had to wait until the 81st minute to pierce the home rearguard.

Second-year apprentice Coombes, who lives in Lipson, drifted to the near post to sidefoot a right-wing corner from Copp into the net.

Three minutes later Argyle doubled their advantage when Sawyer set up Golby, a 16-year-old trialist from Somerton in Somerset, to coolly lob the home keeper from 20 yards

Chelsea pulled one back a minute later from the penalty spot, after Nelson was adjudged to have brought down his opponent, but it was too little too late to deny the cock-a-hoop Pilgrims.

Next up for the young Greens are games against two Championship Academy sides — at Watford, on Thursday, at their London Colney training ground (1pm) and on Saturday at Reading at their Hogwood Park training complex (11am).

Argyle: Ollie Chenoweth, Jack Stephens, Connor Clifford, Dan Hart (Jordan Copp, 46), Curtis Nelson, Sam Sawyer, Jed Harper-Penman, Jordan Berry (Tom Hurley, 67), Matt Rickard (Lewis Coombes, 67), Jared Sims (James Golby, 60), Jake Baker.

Keepers On The Up

First team numbers at Cobham may be low, but the goalkeeping department has a 'perfect situation' with a full complement available to coach Christophe Lollichon.

Petr Cech, Hilario and Ross Turnbull each played half an hour of Saturday's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace after reporting back for pre-season training on July 5, weeks earlier than the Chelsea men who played at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

It means Lollichon has been able to get down to work quickly, and he is delighted with how things are coming together.

'It is a perfect situation with the goalkeepers because we can work how we want. If we had just one or two goalkeepers we would have to work a lot to catch up and have the same preparation. Now it is perfect, we have lots of time and good organisation,' he said.

'For the pre-season I like them to start with the other players because I think it's important the goalkeepers work with them to be a part of the group, and to play with their feet. It is very interesting and is a good thing to work the cardiovascular system. After that, the work is different in the gym, and we started to work specifically in the second week.

'The match on Saturday was very good, it was a good way for the goalkeepers to play for the same time and the atmosphere in this group is fantastic. I am happy after the game because I liked their positions and they were like leaders with a lot of young players.

'They all talked very well, the goalkeepers are like the grandfather of the young team because they play behind the defence and have to talk all the time with intelligence.'

As previously, Cech will begin the season as undisputed number one, though Lollichon has identified targets for each of his three men to focus on.

'We have three different goalkeepers. We have Petr Cech at the top and two substitutes,' he explained. 'These two substitutes are not similar, they are at different stages.

'Ross continues to learn his job and showed a good improvement last year, Hilario knows the situation and I have to be careful to manage his work, it is not the same as Ross, his best target is to maintain his quality.

'For Petr Cech he has to stay on top of the world, he has tactical and physical targets, but technically it is difficult to improve.'

Czech Republic's failure to qualify for the World Cup has left Cech, 28, with an unexpected football-free summer, which Lollichon believes will be beneficial in the months ahead.

'It is not a good thing for him because he loves all competitions, and I think he has a big target in his career to win an international tournament,' he argued. 'But, no World Cup gives him a very good rest. It is a good consequence. In training he is very fresh, but I think he would have preferred to play in the World Cup.'

The next match action comes on Friday at Ajax, with Cech again expected to start behind an experimental young side.

Carlo Ancelotti Sets Sights On Historic Treble After Chelsea's 'Early' Euro Exit Last Season

Carlo Ancelotti led Chelsea to the Double in his first season in English football but now wants to go one better and win the Champions League.

The Chelsea boss believes his squad can defend their Premier League and FA Cup titles and improve on last season’s defeat by Inter Milan in the knock-out round of Europe’s elite club competition.

Ancelotti said: ‘Our aim is to do better than last year in the Champions League. We went out too early. It is not so easy to be competitive in every competition.

‘We have to defend the Premier League title. We want to do our best in all the competitions.’

The 51-year-old taunted Premier League runners up Manchester United with claims Manchester City could be pushing Chelsea for the title next May.

‘I think they will do better in respect to last season,’ he said. ‘They have a lot of fantastic players and could be an important opponent.’

The Italian would not comment on reports linking Chelsea with Liverpool’s Fernando Torres, insisting he does not need another striker.

Ancelotti also rebuffed suggestions of Ashley Cole joining Real Madrid.

‘Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka come back in the next days, and we also have Daniel Sturridge — so I don’t think we need other strikers. I’m happy to have this squad at the moment.

‘Cole will be important for us next season. 100 per cent. We have to maintain the same feeling.’

Chelsea began their pre-season campaign by beating Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to a left-foot Michael Essien drive after 60 minutes.

It was the 27-year-old’s first appearance since injuring his left knee training with Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

He said: ‘The knee is good. There is no more pain.’

Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi completed his comeback after a knee operation in May. Centre-half Alex, who is also returning from knee surgery, played an hour.

Chelsea Boost As Ozil's Werder Talks Collapse

Mesut Ozil could join Chelsea or Real Madrid after his club Werder Bremen failed to strike a fresh deal with the player.

The 21-year-old has entered the final year of his contract and talks to extend the deal failed to succeed at the weekend.

Ozil can now leave on a free transfer next summer, prompting Bremen to cash in on one of the stars of the World Cup.

Interested clubs would have to cough up around £22million.

“We had hoped to reach agreement after the World Cup, but we could not find a solution,” said Klaus Allofs, the Bremen sporting director.

Chelsea Youngster Jeffrey Bruma To Sign Loan Deal With Wolfsburg

Chelsea starlet Jeffrey Bruma is reported to be close to going out on loan to Wolfsburg.

The manager of the Bundesliga club, Steve McClaren, was interested in the young defender during his time at Twente, according to The Mirror.

And he is now believed to be viewing the 18-year-old as an important target during the current transfer window.

It is believed that the Blues do not see the versatile defender - who can play at right-back as well as in the centre of defence - as a player who could break into the first-team in the upcoming season, and are consequently willing to let the talented Dutchman go out on loan to the German heavyweights.

Bruma made an appearance for Chelsea in their 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Wigan Athletic Plotting Loan Move For Chelsea Striker Franco Di Santo

Wigan Athletic are reported to be interested in signing Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo on loan.

The tall forward spent last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers, but managed to score only once in 22 appearances in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old is now rumoured to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, and has been linked with moves away from the club.

The Mirror reports that the Latics are interested in taking the former Audax Italiano hitman on loan to the DW Stadium, amidst interest from Bolton Wanderers, Feyenoord and Twente.

If the potential transfer of Di Santo reaches fruition, the striker could be paired alongside fellow Argentine forward Mauro Boselli by Wigan manager Roberto Martinez.

Former Chelsea Striker Ben Sahar To Rejoin Hapoel Tel Aviv

Former Chelsea striker Ben Sahar is set to rejoin his boyhood club Hapoel Tel Aviv.

IMScouting has learned that the deal between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Sahar's current club, Espanyol, will be finalized in the next 48 hours.

Espanyol are demanding €100,000 for a one-year loan, while Hapoel just want to pay his €400,000-per-year salary, but the two sides are close to an agreement.

Maccabi Haifa - the former club of new Chelsea signing Yossi Benayoun, Everton striker Yakubu Ayegbeni and ex-Souhampton, West Ham, Celtic and Manchester City star Eyal Berkovitz – were also interested in Sahar, but the 20-year-old appears to be heading to the Israeli Double winners.

The player was initially reluctant to leave La Liga, but after a talk with Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino, he understood it would be the best move for his career.

"His dream is to play every weekend and we cannot promise that," said Pochettino. "Hapoel can assure him first-team football, whereas here we have many players vying for his position."

"He wants to grow while remaining a member of Espanyol, and this is his opportunity," he continued.

Sahar has failed to settle since leaving Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2006 in a dream move to Chelsea.

After two years and just three appearances for the Blues, Sahar went out on loan to QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Dutch side De Graafschap Doetinchem, before signing for Espanyol for €1 million in 2009.

Sahar made 22 appearancs for the La Liga outfit last season, scoring just the one goal.

Carlo Ancelotti: Joe Cole Left Chelsea Because Of An 'Economic Problem'

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Joe Cole's decision to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of last season was purely down to economics and was nothing personal.

Ancelotti maintains that he enjoyed a positive working relationship with the England midfielder and was more than happy with his performances for the team.

The Italian admits that he would have preferred the player to stay but also asserts that the 28-year-old's exit was nothing to do with him.

"No, because the problem was economic," Ancelotti told reporters.

"It was a problem between the club and Joe Cole, not me. We spoke about this but when the problem is with money, it is not my problem.

"It is difficult to keep a player all the time in one squad.

"I think Joe Cole, like Michael Ballack and Julian Belletti, did a fantastic job. I want to thank them but now is the time to change."

Crowds Boo Ashley Cole At Campbell's Wedding

Love rat Ashley Cole was booed when he turned up at old team-mate Sol Campbell's wedding.

Crowds gathered to watch guests arrive for the marriage between Arsenal and former England defender Sol and girlfriend Fiona Barratt.

Man United's Rio Ferdinand, old Arsenal heroes Martin Keown and David Seaman and celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott all got a cheer.

But when Chelsea's Cole, 29, arrived at the church just a few miles from where estranged wife Cheryl Tweedy, 27, grew up he was greeted by jeers.

One onlooker said: "The crowd was having real fun cheering famous guests. But when Cole arrived he got booed. He definitely heard it."

Sol, 35, wed Fiona, 29, granddaughter of housebuilding tycoon Sir Lawrie Barratt, at St Andrew's Church in Corbridge, Northumberland.

Local Jane Brooke, 32, said: "She looked beautiful."

The couple have been together since 2005.

Mixed Results For Young Blues

There was plenty of Chelsea involvement in the first round of matches of the European Under 19 Championships in northern France.

Gael Kakuta got the hosts off to the perfect start against Holland, opening the scoring with a fine solo goal after 20 minutes of their 4-1 win and going on to play the entire game.

Jacob Mellis was a 77th minute substitute for England in their 3-2 win over Austria, replacing Tottenham's John Bostock in midfield. Former Chelsea Academy player Frank Nouble scored twice to secure the win for the English.

Fabio Borini captained Italy against Portugal and Jacopo Sala also started, but the Blues pair were on the wrong end of a 2-0 result that leaves them plenty of work to do if they want to reach the semi-finals.

Sala was substituted on 54 minutes, Borini on 80.

In that group's other game, Spain beat Croatia 2-1. Matej Delac, who has signed a pre-contract agreement to play for Chelsea, played the entire 90 minutes in goal for the Croats.