What Can Chelsea Fans Expect From Ramires?

Chelsea are expected to sign Brazilian midfielder any day now from Portuguese side Benfica, but what can fans expect him to bring to the Premier League and FA Cup champions?

Nicknamed the Blue Kenyan the 23-year-old is a tireless box-to-box runner and Carlo Ancelotti may see him as a potential replacement for Michael Ballack, who departed west London earlier in the summer after it was decided that his contract was not going to be renewed by the club.

Although Ramires is a different type of midfielder to Ballack it was clear that the German sacrificed his attacking game more often than not for Chelsea as Frank Lampard remains the most potent goal threat from the middle of the park for the Blues.

Ramires is a workhorse, but not primarily a defensive midfielder, much like Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel. However, it is most likely be asked to do some of the dirty work in order to leave the likes of Lampard to do what he does best (scoring and creating goals).

The player had a great first season for Benfica winning a Portuguese Liga and cup double. He has also already forced his way into the Brazil team and was a regular during their Confederations Cup campaign in 2009. During the World Cup in South Africa he lost his place to Felipe Melo initially, regained his place, then he got himself suspended for the game against Holland… he was probably missed as Melo returned to flick the ball in his own net from a Wesley Sneijder shot then sealed Brazil’s fate after getting himself sent off for stamping on Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben.

The Chelsea fans will perhaps be glad that some youthful exuberance is set to be injected into their ageing midfield and should get plenty of longevity out of Ramires who is still just 23, which means he has plenty of time on his side to settle in English football and improve as a player.

Ancelotti also has a fairly good record at nurturing young Brazilian talent with former world player of the year Kaka and Alexandre Pato amongst his prospects, but repeating these sorts of tricks in the Premier League will be a whole new challenge for the manager approaching his second season in west London.

Roman Abramovich has been fairly quiet with his billions ever since the Stamford Bridge outfit’s disastrous purchase of Andriy Shevchenko for around £30m in 2006, but as well as Ramires’ expected arrival it is also believed that the club seem keen on another 23-year-old Brazilian in David Luiz, who was of course a team mate of Ramires during their title winning season last term, and the club has made an offer for Santos’ promising young talent Neymar.

Ramires may endear himself to many fans after he reportedly chose Chelsea over the Premier League’s other billionaires Manchester City, especially after losing out on Robinho to them a few summers ago (a case of right player, wrong club in my opinion).

It is not a done deal yet, but the Brazilian is expected to become an official Chelsea signing upon his return from holiday in his native Brazil (probably by the end of this week) for a fee believed to be around £20 million.

Making That Giant Step!

One of the common perceptions I’ve noticed whilst policing the article comments relates to Jose Mourinho never giving youth a chance.

Now this wasn’t always the case.

I can distinctly remember Jose championing the case of one of our promising youngsters and giving him his opportunity to sparkle.

The youngster in question was a certain Scott Sinclair.

Sinclair made more than the odd appearance for Jose and was doing remarkably well until, against Manchester United, the boot of a certain Wes Brown put Scott out of action with a broken foot.

Since then it’s been a baffling experience for Sinclair. Instead of flourishing he’s been shunted out on loan spell after loan spell and frustrated manager after manager.

Last season it was Roberto Martinez, at Wigan, who had Sinclair under his tutorship and once again Scott couldn’t force hi sway into the Wigan team on a permanent basis. Scott was largely used as an impact player coming off the bench although impact could well be the wrong word.

Back at Chelsea now, Scott was brought on as a substitute at Selhurst Park and one mazy run; seconds after being brought on should have resulted in a penalty. For a few seconds there memories of the youngster; who had shown he could run the length of the pitch and score, came flooding back.

Sadly, given time to show what he could do in the Amsterdam Arena on Friday evening, Scott just didn’t get involved enough and was virtually anonymous at a time when he probably needed a decent performance.

Now, as then new season approaches, I can’t help thinking that the gulf between truly promising youngster and seasoned first team professional is one that Scott is struggling to breach.

I hate to say it, especially after being one of those who truly believed he’d make it, that his time at our club is probably up!

Malouda: Hard Work After Holiday Help

Florent Malouda is back in training and looking to pick up where he left off in May, following a summer that had it all.

The flying winger had the best season of his career in 2009/10, scoring 15 times as we sealed the Barclays Premier League on the final day of the season before wrapping up the Double with victory in the FA Cup Final over Portsmouth.

In a whirlwind two months since, the Frenchman has seen just about everything, from the World Cup in South Africa to the devastation caused by the January earthquake in Haiti.

It is a cause close to Malouda's heart, having been born in French Guiana in the same Central American region.

'There has been a lot of travelling but I really enjoyed my holidays, I didn't have so much time away for a long time so I really enjoyed it,' he explained.

'The first part was difficult with my trip to Haiti. I went there and met a lot of extraordinary people. What I saw was really hard, I could never imagine people who could live in those conditions and at the same time I was in awe of the way they were organized and showing their will to survive. That's a really good example for me, and it gives you more humility.

'I realized they were expecting my visit and it was really important to them because they felt like they were not forgotten. That was the purpose of my trip there, and I will be back.'

Aside from his humanitarian trip, the 30-year-old was also able to catch up on some much needed family time after a 50-game club season and the distraction of France's World Cup campaign.

'After Haiti I was on holiday with my family, in Miami,' Malouda continued. 'I didn't have a training program for some time, that's what I enjoyed the most. During the year you have always a program, a schedule or a meeting, so it was nice to relax my mind and physically have some rest.

'I also had some time in French Guiana. I was there for five days and saw my family. I was really happy, especially after what happened in the World Cup, it is always the same when I go there, people give me their support and are really proud of what I have done here at Chelsea.

'Year after year I see more people wearing Chelsea shirts with number 15 on. They are proud and I am like an ambassador for Guianese people and it reminds me of the responsibility I have.'

After two months away it is now back to the familiar Surrey surroundings of the Chelsea training ground, as we aim to defend our trophy haul of the last campaign. Malouda is only too aware that the season starts here.

'Now I feel really good and I have a lot of motivation to do better than last year. It is all about work,' he acknowledged.

'Now it is pre-season, we have to work hard, we had our deserved holidays but now it is over and the season will start soon. We have to get our focus back on the objectives of the club and being the best in everything we do.'

Training: It's A Full House

The holidays are now officially over for the players. Monday was the day for the final group of World Cup participants to return.

Heading in for their first morning of work of the new season were the English trio of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and John Terry, and Portuguese pair Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira. Deco flew in and returned to Cobham in the afternoon.

All were eliminated at the first knockout round in South Africa.

Like for their club colleagues before them, first up were the physiological tests to determine what shape the lads are in for their return, followed by a six-minute 'yoyo' run, backwards and forwards at a consistent speed, much like the infamous 'bleep tests', which helps give an accurate gauge of how hard the individual is having to work.

Joining the new arrivals for this exercise was Jose Boswinga, able to complete it as he works towards full fitness following knee surgery.

Following a period of recovery in the middle of the day, it was time for today's returnees to reunite with a football as following their tailored warm-up, they were handed back to Carlo Ancelotti for a full training session with the rest of the squad which still contains many of the young players who contested the opening two pre-season friendlies.

Soon the likes of Terry and Carvalho were spreading long passes out wide as players swept up the field together in countering-attacking groups, followed by two sides playing a possession game in a small area to sharpen technique.

All the injury-free players will now train throughout the week ahead of the two-game visit to Germany.

Neymar Boost For Chelsea As Starlet Hints At Santos Departure

Brazilian wonderkid Neymar has opened the door on a move to Chelsea by refusing to commit his future to Santos.

The gifted 18-year-old insists he is happy at the Sao Paulo-based side, but admits he might not be there by the time the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Just three weeks after saying he wanted to stay at Santos, Neymar admitted on Sunday: 'I don't know what will happen to me. I continue to fulfil my contract at Santos and while I'm here I will be happy.'

Chelsea had a a £17million bid for Neymar rejected, while West Ham were met with the same response when bidding £12m earlier in the summer.

Santos insist they will not do a deal for less than the near-£30m release clause written into the forward's five-year contract, but investors who own 40 per cent of the player's rights are said to be keen to strike a deal.

Neymar confirmed that his father Neymar Silva and Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro held talks at the end of last week, but he said: 'I know they talked, but I was with the team, so I haven't spoken yet to my father.

'We don't talk much on the phone, so I don't know yet what happened in the meeting.'

Although many have questioned whether it is too soon to go to Europe, Neymar is confident he will not be another flop like team-mate Robinho, who is determined to stay on loan at Santos after disappointing at Manchester City.

After helping Santos to a 1-0 win against Sao Paulo in Brazil's Serie A, he said: 'I think nothing changes much whether you play in Europe or here. The ball is round, it's the same.'

Manchester City have first refusal on Neymar, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are also monitoring his availability.

Chelsea Offer Former Barcelona Official Begiristain Role As New Sporting Director

According to Spanish daily 'Sport', Chelsea has submitted an offer to secure the services of former Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Begiristain.

The 45-year-old is a former Barcelona player and Spanish international. He was brought into the Nou Camp as technical secretary in 2003 in order to end a barren four seasons without a trophy and has since helped bring incredible success for the Catalans.

Begiristain has overseen the transfers of influential stars such as Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o during his time at the Nou Camp.

His last contribution to the club was the summer signing of David Villa. Begiristain left the Nou Camp following the end of Joan Laporta's term as president.

Now, 'Sport' reports that Begiristain has received "a significant offer" from Premier League champions Chelsea to become the club's sporting director.

Chelsea is desperate to capture the Champions League and would hope that Begiristain can help Carlo Ancelotti strengthen his squad in order to do so. The Stamford Bridge club reportedly wants an answer from Begiristain by September.

Mancienne Seeks Stability

Michael Mancienne is keen to put down roots, and accepts he may need to leave Chelsea in order to do so.

The former England Under-21 international remains on the Blues' books despite spending the last two seasons on loan at Wolves.

The versatile 22-year-old has been forced to look elsewhere after finding his route to the first-team at Stamford Bridge blocked.

He now faces a tough choice at a crucial stage of his career, with it unclear where he figures in Carlo Ancelotti's plans.

Mancienne knows that in order to produce his best he needs to feel settled and comfortable in his surroundings.

That is not the case at Chelsea at present and he accepts that a summer switch may now be his best option.

Wolves, who have been impressed by him over recent years, are reported to be keen to strike a deal and Mancienne has hinted that he would be open to such a move.

"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 told the Daily Express.

"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."

While Mancienne has opened the door to a move, he could yet be offered an opportunity to prove his worth under Ancelotti.

Chelsea are set to be without Brazilian centre-half Alex for the start of the new season, while Ricardo Carvalho has expressed a desire to join Real Madrid, leaving a vacancy alongside John Terry at the heart of the back four.

Mancienne Seeks Stability

Michael Mancienne is keen to put down roots, and accepts he may need to leave Chelsea in order to do so.

The former England Under-21 international remains on the Blues' books despite spending the last two seasons on loan at Wolves.

The versatile 22-year-old has been forced to look elsewhere after finding his route to the first-team at Stamford Bridge blocked.

He now faces a tough choice at a crucial stage of his career, with it unclear where he figures in Carlo Ancelotti's plans.

Mancienne knows that in order to produce his best he needs to feel settled and comfortable in his surroundings.

That is not the case at Chelsea at present and he accepts that a summer switch may now be his best option.

Wolves, who have been impressed by him over recent years, are reported to be keen to strike a deal and Mancienne has hinted that he would be open to such a move.

"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 told the Daily Express.

"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."

While Mancienne has opened the door to a move, he could yet be offered an opportunity to prove his worth under Ancelotti.

Chelsea are set to be without Brazilian centre-half Alex for the start of the new season, while Ricardo Carvalho has expressed a desire to join Real Madrid, leaving a vacancy alongside John Terry at the heart of the back four.

Carvalho Claims Blues Release Clause

Ricardo Carvalho has revealed he has an agreement with Chelsea which will see him quit the club this summer and is keen on joining Real Madrid.

Carvalho followed new Real coach Jose Mourinho to Chelsea in 2004, after winning the Champions League with him at Porto.

The Portugal defender was repeatedly linked with a move to Inter Milan during Mourinho's two years in charge at the San Siro and is now desperate to be reunited with him in Madrid.

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

"Chelsea have a commitment with me to let me go this summer, for reasons which those responsible at the club and I know.

"It would be a dream to be able to play for Madrid, which for me is the best club in the world, and to do so under the orders of the best coach in the history of football.

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

After helping Chelsea to three Premier League titles and three FA Cups, Carvalho believes his time at Stamford Bridge has come to an end.

The 32-year-old has not played for Chelsea since March after picking up an ankle injury - from which he recovered in time for the World Cup - but insists that despite his advancing years he is in the prime of his career.

"I find myself in the best moment of my career, because physically I am at the top and moreover I have a great experience," continued Carvalho.

"I spent six spectacular years at Chelsea and I had the opportunity to experience a glorious period of this club, but I repeat that to sign for Madrid would be a dream.

"I'm very grateful to Roman Abramovich for signing me and making me part of the Chelsea project for six years. He was a very important person for English football and Chelsea, who became one of the best teams in the world."

Reports suggest Chelsea would agree to release Carvalho for a cut-price 6million euros (£5million).

Borini Hoping For Bright Future

Fabio Borini plans to concentrate on fighting for a place in the starting lineup at Chelsea FC after Italy's UEFA European Under-19 Championship challenge was ended by Spain. Italy forward Fabio Borini revealed that, although his team's exit from the UEFA European Under-19 Championship was difficult to take, he still has high hopes on the international stage.

Despite collecting just one point from their opening Group B games with Portugal and Croatia, the Azzurrini's chance of reaching the semi-finals remained intact prior to Saturday's encounter with Spain at the Stade du Hazé in Flers. Following two defensive lapses in the space of six first-half minutes, however, Massimo Piscedda's side were 2-0 down, Rúben Rochina and Daniel Pacheco taking full advantage of their opponents' slips. "We came up against a fantastic team in Spain and we just have to take our hats off to them; they played really well," Borini told UEFA.com. "We have to say that at the moment they are too good for us."

An Ezequiel Calvente penalty in the second half compounded the 2003 winner's misery but it was a tournament the Chelsea FC striker felt never got going for Italy. "We're really disappointed with the result and of course for not achieving qualification for the [FIFA U-20] World Cup," Borini said. "In our first [defeat] to Portugal we lost our composure a bit; we really felt we dropped three points there. In the draw against Croatia we did our best to play our game but it's not easy trying with ten players for half an hour.

"I did my job as I always do as a professional player," added the Italy captain, who scored twice in three qualifying appearances but failed to find the net in the finals. "I tried to push the team to the maximum level but it's a difficult time for us as it's just the beginning of the season. We're not as fit as we would be in the middle of the season."

Borini – who began his career with Italian side Bologna FC – made his Premier League and UEFA Champions League debuts for Chelsea last season and the 19-year-old is now planning to focus on winning a regular place in Carlo Ancelotti's side. "I'm hoping for the best with Chelsea, where I want to win a spot in the first team and of course to score goals. I would also love to be involved in the World Cup with Italy in four years, which would be something incredible. I want to achieve everything I can and to win trophies."

Sturridge: Goal No Satisfaction

His finish for Chelsea's only goal in Amsterdam was the highlight of the team performance and his manager complimented young players' efforts against experienced opponents, but Daniel Sturridge remained troubled by the friendly game defeat.

The 20-year-old didn't hesitate when the ball came his way after Josh McEachran was tackled, lashing it past World Cup finalist Maarten Stekelenburg from outside the area for his first goal of the pre-season program.

It was a first-half equalizer but two minutes later Ajax scored again and then last season's Dutch runners-up made it 3-1 in the final moments of the game at the Amsterdam ArenA.

'I was upset not to score in the last game [at Crystal Palace] and in this game it was good to score but I am devastated the team didn't get to win because whatever I am playing in I want to win,' insisted Sturridge following the game.

'I am upset that we lost even if it is a friendly. I am gutted but the next game is coming soon so hopefully we can go out there and play better next time.'

Despite his unhappiness with the display, Sturridge didn't lose focus on the principal reason for the fixture, especially as he was one of three Chelsea players to last the full match.

'The only positive is that we have come away with more fitness. It was a very hard game and we all worked hard out there. Everyone coming off that pitch will feel a lot fitter from playing such a game.

'Of course it felt a lot more of a test than the previous game. You could see the difference out there in the way Ajax passed the ball and the movement they had out there.

'I think they had played five more games than us, this was only our second game, so they were a lot fitter, but we tried to play as we can. Obviously it would have been a lot better if we could have won the game.

'I played three different roles,' he explained.

'I played up front with Franco [Di Santo] first half and then I played on the right second half and then I went to centre-forward and I was up front on my own towards the end.

'You have to do these things to have some versatility in your game and to be a better player, and to be on the pitch for 90 minutes is what I enjoy doing.'

We're Not Just A Business

As we celebrate the launch of our Foundation, various figures from around the club have had their say on the importance of our charity work.

Present at the launch were our first team goalkeepers, chairman Bruce Buck, Foundation coaches from our various soccer schools, and around 40 youngsters from our Mini Kickz, Mini Kickers and disabled programs. They were joined by four of the Foundation's trustees, Chris Alexander, John Devine, Alan Shaw and Emma Wilkinson.

Bruce Buck, club chairman:

'Generally speaking the world doesn't appreciate how much football clubs give back to their communities in the way of charitable activities, and I think what Chelsea does is a lot for a business our size. It's something the club recognizes as a responsibility, and we are doing it.

'It's certainly important to pick your projects carefully and not just do anything and everything. The fact we have a dedicated social responsibility team means we are looking into every project before we fund it or engage in it. That's obviously the right thing to do

'We've been doing charity work for a long, long time, but we think it was important to put it all under one umbrella.

'Football clubs are not just businesses, we have a responsibility to our communities and we recognize and support that.'

Petr Cech, first team goalkeeper:

'I think the kids are the most important. If you want to bring somebody to play football you start with the kids, you don't start with the teenagers or the adults. Kids are the most gracious people on the planet, so you can see the smile and the happiness on their face and that makes your day as well.

'I think as the motto says, the charity should be in safe hands and that's why they have us three keepers here so I hope it is going to be. It's always great to be part of a good charity which includes every kind of charity you can imagine all in one, which I think will make for a lot of good work.'

Casey Stoney, Chelsea Foundation coach and captain of Chelsea Ladies:

'It's a dream come true for a kid to come along and have a kick around at the training ground of one of the best teams in the world and meet some of the best goalkeepers in the world. I didn't have many opportunities as a girl and the more chances we can provide to children at younger ages the better.'

Rob Seale, Chelsea Foundation football and development officer:

'It is such an honour to not only be working with disabled kids and adults every day of the week, but to have things going on on the weekends and evenings as well, it is difficult to tear yourself away.

'It is a very special feeling, and these specific kids don't always get these opportunities so to see these smiles is fantastic. For them to come in here and meet some Chelsea players don’t just make their day, it is so important for them.'

Chelsea Gets Ramires In £20M Deal

Benfica midfielder Ramires will join Chelsea this week in a £20million deal.

Boss 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.

Ramires, 23, is heading for Stamford Bridge with the deal expected to be finalized in the next few days.

The Brazilian was one of the big successes of his country’s World Cup campaign as they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

Dunga, who was ousted as coach after Brazil’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 are 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 representatives from Chelsea and Manchester City. But the player has chosen to move to the reigning Premier League champions.

Ramires said recently: “I don’t know the names of the clubs that are after me, but it would be a dream to play for a big club such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea.”

Wolves Boss Mick McCarthy Wants To Keep Mancienne

The problems facing England’s future prospects were brought into sharp focus as Chelsea stalled over a potential £4million bid from Wolves for their talented defender Michael Mancienne.

The former England Under-21 star, tipped as the perfect international replacement for his club team-mate John Terry or the injury-jinxed Rio Ferdinand, has now reluctantly asked for a transfer to rescue his future.

He faces stagnating in Chelsea’s reserves if the Premier League champions hang on to a player they tied up on a four-year contract last summer, despite only a handful of first-team starts for them in four years.

That will continue to fuel fears that the future of English football is being stifled, because players like Mancienne are being denied the experience they need, in many cases because of the signing of ‘ready-made’ foreign stars.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, the former Ireland manager, had 22-year-old Mancienne on loan last season and would now like to make the deal permanent – giving English football a boost in the process. But Chelsea are reluctant to let Mancienne move on unless someone offers them silly money for a player who has played more games for England sides than he has for his club.

Mancienne said: “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. 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.”

It is a situation that former FA technical director Howard Wilkinson warns will have a bleak effect on the national team. “If you want to do well at international level you need to have a big pool of players with the necessary experience of playing at the top,” he said.

“Our young players will not get that in the Premier League if clubs keep signing foreign players at this rate.” The plight of Mancienne and England is echoed at top clubs up and down the country. Manchester United paid Fulham a reported £10m for the emerging talents of England U21 defender Chris Smalling, but will almost certainly leave him at best on the bench for the foreseeable future.

Van der Vaart Ready To Join Chelsea Or Liverpool

Rafael van der Vaart has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Premier League clubs ahead of the new season.

Van der Vaart has made just 31 league starts in two seasons at Real Madrid, and while 12 months ago he was prepared to stay and fight for his place at the Bernabeu he now wants to be playing week-in, week-out.

After losing his place in the Netherlands team due to injury after the group stage - he did not feature against Slovakia or Brazil but did come off the bench in both the semi-final and final - he knows he must return to top form at club level.

With Jose Mourinho likely to ring the changes over the next month, Van der Vaart is prepared to move on.

He told the Daily Star Sunday: "I have heard of the interest from Liverpool and Chelsea - and that is very flattering. If either of them were willing to offer me first-team football, I will be honest that it would be very hard for me to not listen to what they had to say.

"I think I have the relationship with Madrid where they understand my position and would let me hold talks. I expect the majority of transfers to be concluded in the next two weeks, and if Chelsea or Liverpool wanted to talk with me I would at the very least listen to what they have to say.

"They are both giants, and if they could offer first-team football it may prove impossible to turn down. Real Madrid is the most prestigious club in the world and I am happy here and also in Spain, but I am at the age where I have to be playing first-team football.

"I am getting to the point where I will be hitting my peak years and I need to spend those years at a club where I will be playing regularly. The boss knows how much he plans to use me, and if he is willing to listen to offers for me. I wouldn't be willing to play for any clubs in Spain out of respect for Madrid, so in my eyes the only other place to go would be the Premier League.

"It's the only league that competes with the standard of La Liga."

Chelsea Expect Ricardo Carvalho At Training Despite Him Wanting Real Madrid Move

Chelsea insist they expect defender Ricardo Carvalho to report for pre-season training as scheduled despite the Portugal international revealing his desire to link-up again with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Carvalho told Spanish newspaper AS he was desperate to join Madrid and work under Mourinho, who mentored him at Stamford Bridge, and Porto before that.

The 32-year-old also claimed he had a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave Chelsea this summer.

Carvalho said: "If there was a possibility to sign for Madrid, I would go there right now swimming or running. Chelsea have a commitment with me to let me go this summer, for reasons which those responsible at the club and I know.

"It would be a dream to be able to play for Madrid, which for me is the best club in the world, and to do so under the orders of the best coach in the history of football.

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

After helping Chelsea to three Premier League titles and three FA Cups, Carvalho believes his time at Stamford Bridge has come to an end.

He has not played for Chelsea since March after picking up an ankle injury – from which he recovered in time for the World Cup – but insists that despite his advancing years he is in the prime of his career.

"I find myself in the best moment of my career, because physically I am at the top and moreover I have a great experience," continued Carvalho.

"I spent six spectacular years at Chelsea and I had the opportunity to experience a glorious period of this club, but I repeat that to sign for Madrid would be a dream.

"I'm very grateful to Roman Abramovich for signing me and making me part of the Chelsea project for six years. He was a very important person for English football and Chelsea, who became one of the best teams in the world."

Chelsea refused to comment on Carvalho's contract claims but were adamant he would be reporting next week with the rest of the club's World Cup players.

Chelsea are unlikely to allow Carvalho to leave with Brazilian defender Alex ruled out for the start of the season.

Jose Mourinho Steps Up His Pursuit Of Ashley Cole

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is refusing to take no for an answer in his pursuit of Ashley Cole.

Chelsea have stated twice in the last week their unsettled England defender is staying put at Stamford Bridge next season – despite Madrid’s £20million interest.

But the hands-off messages, delivered by boss Carlo Ancelotti and chairman Bruce Buck, have fallen on deaf ears in Spain.

New Real supremo Mourinho is desperate to rebuild the Spanish giants, starting at the back. And he views Cole, 29, as absolutely key to those plans.

Mourinho will instruct Real to make their interest in Cole official later this week with an initial £20m bid.

And, though that is likely to be rejected by the Blues board, Mourinho is confident he will soon be reunited with the left-back he controversially took from Arsenal to Chelsea for £25m in July 2006.

A source close to the Bernabeu said last night: “Jose wants Cole. End of story.

“He is certain he will get him before the August deadline.”

And Real superstar Iker Casillas, 29, said he expected to be playing alongside Cole when the season starts.

The World Cup-winning keeper, who is vice-captain at the Bernabeu, said: “It doesn’t surprise me that Chelsea is doing everything they can to try to keep Ashley Cole, I would be as well if I were in their position.

“But it comes down to the fact that it’s very hard to keep a player that doesn’t want to be there.

“If Ashley really wants to be at Real Madrid next season then I expect that it will happen.”

Mourinho’s optimism stems from the fact that, as much as Chelsea doesn’t want to do business, Cole is determined to quit the Premier League.

He returns to the club on Monday after being given an extended break following the World Cup.

And his first move will be to hold showdown talks over his future – and confirm to Ancelotti he wants out now.

Cole’s desire to leave the club has nothing to do with Chelsea but is down to the constant abuse he receives from rival fans across the country.

While he was one of England’s better performers in South Africa, he believes his popularity remains at an all-time low following his high-profile break-up with pop-star wife Cheryl.

And the ex-Arsenal ace did himself no favours earlier in the summer when a text message, in which he slagged off England, was made public and created more unwanted headlines.

Ancelotti and Chelsea are well aware of how difficult Cole is finding life on these shores and they have promised to help him beat the problem.

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.”

However, the truth is Cole’s mind is made up and he will not back down – leaving Italian coach Ancelotti little choice but to let him go to La Liga.

Ancelotti Sure Cole Will Stay

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is determined to hang on to left-back Ashley Cole. The England international has been linked with a move to Jose Mouinho's Real Madrid but Ancelotti is confident Cole wants to stay.

In fact, the Italian says he does not feel the need to speak to him about his future when he returns to training in the coming week.

"Ashley is a Chelsea player and nobody wants to sell him. We want to keep him in our squad. I am 100 per cent sure he will be at Chelsea this season," said Ancelotti.

"I consider him to be the best player in his position in the world.

"I don't need to talk to him. He is happy to stay at Chelsea. He never said he wanted to go. There is no chance he will go. No way."

The Blues are having a few issues defensively at the moment, with goalkeeper Petr Cech and centre-back Alex both sidelined by injury and Ricardo Carvalho claiming he has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

He has made no secret of the fact he wants to be reunited with former Chelsea boss Mourinho, and has described his compatriot as the best manager ever.

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.