Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs. Stoke

After two 6-0 wins to start the season, how about a third for Chelsea? It's certainly not out of the question for the Premier League champions, especially as they romped to a 7-0 hammering last time they played host to Saturday's visitors, Stoke City.

On that occasion it was Salomon Kalou that was the hero, with a hat-trick that was nicely complimented by a brace from Frank Lampard and one apiece for Florent Malouda and Daniel Sturridge.

There is little to suggest similar proficiency in front of goal couldn't be the order of the day again on Saturday. Malouda, Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba have already accounted for eight of the 12 league goals the Blues have notched so far this season, and all are likely to be deployed at the weekend.

Indeed, perhaps the only choice Ancelotti has to face is whether he rotates his starting eleven ahead of challenges to come. The likes of Kalou, Ferreira and even new signing Ramires could all be slotted into the lineup to rest other first-choice performers, but will the former AC Milan manager want to risk a change to the chemistry that has delivered such an impressive start to the campaign?

After a slow start to the season, Stamford Bridge is perhaps the absolute last place Tony Pulis would want to bring his side as they look to get off the mark.

Successive 2-1 defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham have left the Potters stuck on zero this season, and now the head to west London on the back of two defeats last season (one in the FA Cup) where they shipped nine goals without scoring.

Pulis has worked hard to reinforce his attacking options over the summer, with the expensive acquisitions of Jon Walters and Kenwyne Jones, but that is likely to be of little aid at Stamford Bridge.

The former Gillingham manager will likely set out his side's stall to defend, and hope they can hold on for as long as possible against a force that is quickly beginning to look irresistible.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

fter a full week of training new signing Ramires might be ready to be included in his first matchday squad, although he is unlikely to start.

Jose Bosingwa remains the club's sole long-term injury concern, with Ancelotti free to choose from the rest of his options. Some mild rotation — perhaps seeing Kalou start — may be the Italian's only deviation from the norm.

Possible Starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Essien, Lampard; Malouda, Kalou, Drogba.

Stoke City

Recent signings Jon Walters and Kenwyne Jones are both available; although Pulis might be more relieved to know that he has a full compliment of defenders to choose from.

Asmir Begovic's current dispute with the club is unlikely to lift him from the substitutes' bench, while Mamady Sidibe is a long-term concern.

Possible Starting XI: Sorensen; Collins, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham; Etherington, Whitehead, Wheland, Delap, Walters; Jones.

Carlo Ancelotti: We Are Not Going To Sign Any More Players This Summer

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has declared that the Blues are not going to make any more signings before the close of the summer transfer window.

The London outfit secured the services of Yossi Benayoun and Ramires from Liverpool and Benfica respectively and also let go of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, Scott Sinclair and Miroslav Stoch.

However, the Premier League champions failed to land Brazilian starlet Neymar from Santos and now Ancelotti has revealed that they have no plans to make any more purchases.

"The transfer window is closed for us already," the Italian told Chelsea's official website.

Ancelotti went on to speak about the match against Stoke this weekend.

"We know Stoke very well. They are a difficult team because they use a lot of power and long balls to create difficulty, and we have to pay attention to set-pieces and maintain the same ability to play in this moment.

"I think we have to play quickly. They defend well and we don't have a lot of space to play in front, so it is important to move without the ball and to play quickly in the midfield. We have to play football with intensity and stay concentrated on the set-pieces."

Ancelotti also gave his thoughts on the Champions League group draw that saw Chelsea placed alongside against French champions Marseille, Spartak Moscow and MSK Zilina in Group F.

"We want to start the Champions League well, it is not so important who is the opposition. Every team could create difficulties for us but I think it was a good draw.

"We don't know so much, maybe we could have a problem with Zilina for the first game but the other games we can control everything about the opponent and Marseille we know very well."

Chelsea Distance Themselves From Surprise £8m Bid For Monaco Striker Park Chu-Young

Chelsea have dismissed reports they are about to land £8 million rated Monaco striker Park Chu-Young, according to The Sun.

Chu-Young, 25, has impressed in the principality and for South Korea at World Cup 2010. After scoring 13 goals in 58 Ligue 1 appearances, the Premier League champions had been rumoured to be interested.

Speaking to the newspaper, a Blues source rubbished claims they were about to add the player to their squad.

The source said: "We did receive some correspondence with regard to Park but that is as far it went.

"It is wrong to think we want to sign him or suggest there have been any meetings with his agents. He is not about to become a Chelsea player."

Stoke Want To Keep Begovic

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has warned Chelsea against making a fresh offer for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Begovic, 23, joined Stoke from Portsmouth in February this year but, amid interest from Chelsea, he missed the League Cup clash against Shrewsbury as he apparently claimed he was not in the correct psychological state.

Begovic was criticized by manager Tony Pulis for his "totally disrespectful" actions, but Coates insists Stoke still want to keep the Bosnia-Herzegovina international and have told the Blues not to make a fresh bid.

"This is an internal matter and we will decide on what action to take," Coates told Sky Sports News. "Asmir Begovic remains our player. He is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the Premier League and we are not interested in any new offers from Chelsea.

"We are not interested in what Chelsea do and we have already rejected an offer, from them, for Begovic. We wouldn't welcome another bid from Chelsea and, as far as I am aware, we have not received a new offer from Chelsea for him."

Arnesen Confirms Ramos' Chelsea Approach

Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has dismissed suggestions that the Blues have bid for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos but revealed that a representative of the Spanish international did make contact with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy about a possible deal.

Carlo Ancelotti was last week tipped to make a £35 million bid for 24-year-old Ramos despite appearing, on paper, to be well covered defensively.

Speaking about the rumours Arnesen is quoted by Sky Sports clarifying the situation:

"It is absolutely false," confirmed Arnesen. ''We haven't made any bid for Ramos.

"What did surprise us is that a person called us on behalf of the player to see if we were interested in signing him."

Chelsea and Real Madrid have already done one deal this week with former coach Jose Mourinho snapping up compatriot Ricardo Carvalho to bolster his defence at the Bernabeu.

Chelsea's Ramires Unfazed By England's Tough-Tackling Reputation

Chelsea's most significant signing of the summer, the £18.2m Brazilian Ramires, believes he has the resilience and aggression to flourish in the Premier League with the former Benfica midfielder expected to be involved at some stage against Stoke this afternoon.

The 23-year-old is slender of frame and was nicknamed the "Blue Kenyan" while at Cruzeiro, where his energy and ability to dominate midfield caught the eyes of scouts from the Portuguese club and prompted his £5m move to Lisbon a year ago. Ramires is most likely to be utilised at the base of Chelsea's midfield, in a role currently held by Mikel John Obi, but he can be employed across the middle with the physical reputation of the Premier League clearly holding few fears.

"I understand what this league is all about," said Ramires. "I've watched it on the television and I know that physical strength is the main part of the English game. But I'm hard, too. I'm tough. I hope I can build up my strength to be on the same level as everyone else, but it's already hard to put me down. I've been away from Brazil for over a year now, playing in Europe. I know the football in Portugal isn't as physical as it is over here, sure, but it's still tough.

"I know tackles will be flying in, and it'll be aggressive, but I can do that too. I know what to expect. It won't be a surprise for me. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in, too. I like that side to the game and I can stand up for myself. People called me the 'Blue Kenyan' [Cruzeiro played in blue] because I put so much hard work on the pitch and never stop running. But I'm a tackler, too. It's been a characteristic of my style in the past, so I'm relishing that side of the game over here."

Ramires hails from Barra do Pirai in Rio de Janeiro and his rise to prominence was relatively swift. As a 16-year-old he was combining football training as a youngster at Joinville, a small club in Santa Catarina, with work on a building site to earn extra money for his family.

"I'd work Tuesday and Thursdays from 7am to 4pm, then go to football practice afterwards, and then 7 to 11am on Saturday," he said. "I was earning between 80 and 100 reals (£30-35) every 15 days. I'm not ashamed of that. That experience made me the man I am today, giving me the character I am now. When I look back at that time, it helps me keep my feet on the ground. Everything I do is about helping my family back home, and that hasn't changed. All those experiences, working hard as I did, made me what I am today. For now, I just want to make my mark here at Chelsea. The team has been playing wonderful football, and I want to be a part of that."

Carlo Ancelotti, who will be without Branislav Ivanovic with a back complaint this afternoon, does not anticipate making any more signings before the end of the month and is content with the strength of his squad after 6-0 victories home and away at the start of the new campaign. "For us, the transfer window is closed already," he said.

Loan Interest

After Chelsea's flying start to the Premier League season, we catch up on how the club's players out on loan are progressing with their respective clubs.

Jack Cork has returned on loan to Burnley for the 2010/11 season, following his successful stint at the Clarets for the second half of last season. The 21-year-old has made two early appearances for the Turf Moor-based club, coming off the bench in the 3-0 home victory over Leicester City, before playing the full 90 minutes in their League Cup win away at League Two outfit Morecambe.

Fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest have made a disappointing start to their new campaign, with the club failing to win any of their three opening league games, as well as suffering a shock exit to Bradford City in the League Cup. Young left-back Ryan Bertrand is on loan at the City Ground this season following previous spells in the second tier with Norwich and Reading.

He's impressed ex-Forest player and current England Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce in his three league games, and has been called up to the Under 21 squad for the upcoming European Qualifiers. Ryan has already made five appearances for the England Under 21 side since making his debut in 2008, and will be hoping for further caps when they face Lichtenstein and Portugal next month.

Young goalkeeper Rhys Taylor has been in impressive form in League Two, appearing for Crewe Alexandra in all five games this season. Taylor has kept two clean sheets for the Railwaymen, playing in their 7-0 thrashing of Barnet, while manager Dario Gradi praised Rhys' performance following their surprise 1-0 League Cup win over Derby County.

Also out on loan in League Two is 19-year-old Daniel Philliskirk, who is at newly promoted Oxford United. The young striker's first team opportunities at the Kassam Stadium have been somewhat limited, with his only appearance coming as a substitute in a goalless draw with Burton Albion on the opening day of the season.

North of the border, Ben Gordon has started both league games whilst at SPL outfit Kilmarnock. The young left-back played a part in the Killie's only league goal so far, as it was from his cross against Rangers at Ibrox that James Dayton was fouled for a penalty, which was converted by Jamie Hamill. Ben is likely to be next in action on Saturday, when Kilmarnock host early league leaders Aberdeen.

Finally in Holland, two of Chelsea's youngsters have gone out on loan to Vitesse Arnhem. Serbian's Nemanja Matic and Slobodan Rajkovic will both spend the season at the Eredivisie outfit, in a bid to gain experience playing regular first team football. The Dutch side are currently 13th in the Eredivisie at this early stage, having won one of their opening three games. They are next in action on Sunday at the De Kuip Stadion, as they face Feyenoord.

Michael Mancienne has also gone out on loan, with the defender re-joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan. He will possibly make his return debut later this afternoon, when the club host Newcastle United.

Blues 'Happy' With Draw

Chelsea club secretary David Barnard admits the club has to be 'happy' with their UEFA Champions League draw.

The Carlo Ancelotti's Blues were treated relatively kindly in Thursday's group stage draw, as they were able to avoid Europe's big guns.

They will face reigning French champions Marseille in Group F, who they last met back in 1999/00, but will fancy their chances against a side managed by former Stamford Bridge star Didier Deschamps.

Chelsea also face a couple of lengthy trips to Eastern Europe, to face Russian outfit Spartak Moscow and Slovakian minnows MSK Zilina, but overall they have no complaints with their passage to the last 16.

Barnard told Sky Sports News: "We've got to be fairly happy with that."

He also hopes that having the final on English soil will act as an added incentive for Chelsea to do well in the competition.

Wembley is set to play host to the biggest game in European club football on 28th May, and the Blues have every intention of being there.

"Since Wembley opened we've been there eight times now," said Barnard.

"You like to play a final on foreign soil, obviously for our supporters and the occasion, but you never know, Wembley is a lucky omen for us and may well be this year."

Chelsea, who reached the final in 2008 before losing to Manchester United on penalties, are looking to land the Champions League crown for the first time in their history.

Malouda - We Want CL Glory

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has spoken of the club's burning desire to win the UEFA Champions League this season.

The West London club has been in stunning form so far this season, scoring 12 goals in two games, with Malouda netting three, to demonstrate their destructive ability.

In what has been an immensely successful period for the Blues since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003, Europe's premier competition has been the only prize to have eluded them.

They have a relatively easy challenge to get through the group stage after being drawn in Group F, but the Premier League title holders have often come unstuck in the latter stages.

Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant,Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti have all tried and failed to deliver, with Grant coming closest in 2008 after defeat on penalties in the final against Manchester United.

Malouda, who has been in the best form of his Chelsea career over the past season, feels, however, that this year will be different and that they are more than equipped to win the trophy.

"I am 30 now and I know a career is short. I really want to enjoy my career more," Malouda told Chelsea TV.

"There is no better side than Chelsea in Europe and right now the aim is to win the Champions League.

"It was a wonderful experience to win the Premier League last season and I want to keep it.

"When you're at a club like this, you have to win.

"I want it every year, to be on top and there is no second place. I always want to be first."

Olympique De Marseille President Looking Forward To Reunion With Chelsea’s Didier Drogba

Drawn in Group F in the Champions League along with Chelsea, Olympique de Marseille are looking forward to the return of hero Didier Drogba to Stade Velodrome, president Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed.

The Ivoirian was linked with a summer move back to France by some reports in the media, and though they unsurprisingly proved far-fetched, the 32-year-old hitman will be travelling to Provence this season with the English champions. It is an event Dassier is greatly anticipating.

“It will be both very pleasant and satisfying to see Didier Drogba again at the Velodrome, but he won't be alone,” the president warned, according to UEFA’s official website.

“Chelsea are the benchmark. Those are two huge games. We have our chance to go through with our strengthened squad but there must be no complacency. The Champions League is never easy.”

Spartak Moscow and Zilina are also involved in the pool, while Dassier may be slightly heartened to know that Drogba, who thrilled the Velodrome crowd during the 2003-04 season, won’t be involved in the Chelsea squad to face OM at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 2, as he will be serving a suspension carried over from last term.

Chelsea Deny €40m Move For Real Madrid Defender Sergio Ramos

Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has personally assured Real Madrid president Florentino Perez they have made no move for Sergio Ramos.

The Blues were linked with a mammoth £33 million swoop for the Spain World Cup 2010 winner earlier this week after new contract talks stalled. The reports are understood to have been dismissed out of hand by the Chelsea hierarchy.

According to AS, Arnesen stated to Perez that he had been offered the player by an agent rather than making a move himself.

"It is absolutely false," the Dane is believed to have said.

"We haven’t made any bid for Ramos.

"What did surprise us is that a person called us on behalf of the player to see if we were interested in signing him."

Ramos himself quashed the rumour by declaring he wanted to finish his career at the Bernabeu.

Speaking to Marca, he said: "There’s no truth in it. I had a dream of winning the World Cup and I achieved it. Now I have another: to retire playing at Madrid."

You're All Running Scared Of Us Again, Insists John Terry

John Terry believes every club in the country fear Chelsea again now that the Premier League trophy is back at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea scored a record 103 goals on their way to winning the title last season and has begun their defence in similar attacking fashion by netting 12 times in wins over West Brom and Wigan.

They are strongly tipped to maintain their 100 per cent record tomorrow when they face Stoke, who they beat 7-0 at Stamford Bridge in April.

Skipper Terry admits that Chelsea lost their ability to intimidate opponents during Manchester United's hat-trick of championships between 2007 and 2009 but is confident they have their aura back now.

He said: “When [owner] Roman Abramovich first came in to Chelsea, we bought a lot of players and went on to win a lot of things.

“Speaking with the other players in the England camp, they were saying we were going to run away with the title for five, six, seven years. You're going to do all sorts, win this and win that.

“You could sense it in them that they were scared of Chelsea but in the last couple of years that had gone. I don't know why. Obviously we've not been as good as we could have been and not bought too many players but the way we played last season everyone should have respect for us again and that little bit of fear.

“Watching Manchester United win it for three years killed me and I was frustrated and hurt. If everyone felt like I did for three years, we should now realize how important it is to keep it here. I love lifting the trophy and winning things with this football club. I want to continue to do that.

“It is a lovely trophy and this season we go again. We have to retain the title and the FA Cup again. At the same time, I want to win the League and the Champions League in the same year.”

Terry is adamant coach Carlo Ancelotti deserves all the credit for turning Chelsea from a team labelled by some critics as boring' to the entertainers they are now.

He added: “It starts with the manager at the training ground and then on the pitch. In times before, we went two or three goals up and me and the other players in the backline would just keep the ball.

“The manager has come in and whether we are losing or drawing games, he just wants us to move the ball forward much more quickly.”

Chelsea have added only 23-year-old Brazilian Ramires, who will be officially unveiled at a press conference today, and 30-year-old Yossi Benayoun to the squad that was criticized for being too old following their early Champions League exit at the last 16 stage in February.

But Terry insists that the best is still to come from his side and added on Chelsea TV: “We're far from being too old. [Frank] Lampard is in his prime as is Didier [Drogba] and me. I'm 29 turning 30 this season. I feel great and the last couple of seasons I have played 120 games.

“I just hope to be able to continue to do that and to keep myself fit and sharp.

“It's just an excuse from outside the club to bring us down but that's where it's important that the club and the players stay together, stay friends and make sure that everything is okay here.”

John Obi Mikel Feels Pre-Season Effort Is Paying Off For Chelsea

John Obi Mikel feels his hard work on the training pitch is paying off after helping Chelsea open the defence of their Barclays Premier League title in blistering form.

The Blues have recorded successive 6-0 victories, over West Brom and at Wigan.

Next up are Stoke at Stamford Bridge - who were hammered 7-0 there in April as the Blues stormed towards the championship.

Mikel is now fully fit after a knee injury forced him to miss Nigeria's World Cup campaign and the midfielder is relishing the challenges ahead.

"Towards the end of last season before I was injured I was in good shape and playing almost every week. Then I got injured, had surgery and did my rehab," Mikel said on the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com.

"I just put my head down and knew I had to work twice as hard as the other players to get myself ready for the start of the season.

"I feel like it is paying off and I don't want to stop, I want to keep going and working hard in training.

"If you speak to the guys they will tell you I work as hard as anyone else on the training pitch, maybe harder and I just want to keep going like this."

Chelsea are expected to put Stoke to the sword again tomorrow, with confidence flowing in the dressing room.

Mikel added: "We all have a good understanding at the moment, they all know when to go and when to come in. I think it's pretty much working out as we want it to all the time.

"We know we are not going to score six every game, if you manage one and get three points it is all we need, but at the moment it is enjoyable to be a part of it and playing, and I hope it keeps going like this."

Chelsea Continues Supporting Tickets For Troops

Chelsea continues our pledge to support our Armed Forces this season by donating thousands of seats to the charity Tickets For Troops.

Tickets For Troops, which also has the support of the FA and the Football League, is a charity dedicated to providing top cultural, musical and sporting tickets to our soldiers, sailors and airmen.

Since launching last year it has provided over 200,000 top tickets to events nationwide and over 60,000 members of the Armed Forces have registered with the scheme.

Thousands of tickets have been made available to all serving military personnel and to veterans who have been discharged through injury since 2001, at the new Tickets for Troops website.

Tickets have been donated for top football and cricket matches, boxing contests, snooker, horse-racing events, theatre, and both classic and rock music concerts around the country.

Chelsea was the first football club to support the initiative, with chairman Bruce Buck being a patron for the charity. Last year the club donated more than 150 tickets for the Remembrance Sunday clash against Manchester United, a move that was organized through the British Legion.

'Chelsea Football Club, its staff, players and fans proudly supports our boys and the brave work they do,' said Buck.

'Tickets for Troops is a politically neutral and independent organization, it is purely in the interests of supporting our Armed Forces, which we are always more than happy to do.'

The charity boasts other patrons from the world of entertainment and sports, including singers Joss Stone and James Blunt, actress Joanna Lumley, ex-England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio and former England footballer Gary Lineker.

Tickets For Troops chairman, Lord Marland said: 'Tickets For Troops has benefited from a great wave of generosity from our ticket donors who have wanted to demonstrate their support and show their appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the marvellous men and women of our Armed Forces.

'I would like to thank Chelsea for their generous support of our troops during these difficult times.'

Chelsea Out To Maintain Perfect Start

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping his side can continue their blazing start to the new Premier League season this weekend when they take on Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

The champions have scored 12 goals in their first two matches - identical 6-0 scorelines - and the Italian has been hugely satisfied with his side's start.

"We have started well this season, scoring a lot of goals, playing good football," Ancelotti said.

But though they will be big favourites to beat Stoke and maintain their record as the only side in the Premier League with a 100 percent record, Ancelotti knows that sooner or later, it will come to an end.

"It is impossible to think we have to score six goals in a game all the time because this is not real football, this is PlayStation football," he said.

Manchester United, second to Chelsea last year and again looking the most likely contenders, will be out to bounce back from a disappointing 2-2 draw at Fulham last time out.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side is at home to West Ham United on Saturday evening and the Scot knows that dropping points, even so early on in the season, could be costly.

Chelsea Set To Renew Interest In Neymar

Chelsea, in a remarkable twist, are considering reviving their interest in Neymar less than a week after their second bid for the Brazilian striker was rejected and he signed a five-year contract at his club, Santos.

However, since then Chelsea has been given fresh encouragement that a deal for the 18 year-old could still be struck before the end of the transfer window on Aug 31.

A summit meeting was held at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening involving the agent, Pini Zahavi, who has been trying to broker a deal to bring Neymar to the Premier League all summer.

Zahavi was in the United States two weeks ago, along with Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, to meet with Neymar's father, who acts as his son's adviser. He is understood to be unsure whether his son should stay in Brazil despite quadrupling his salary.

This led to claims from Santos that Buck had 'tapped up' Neymar and claims that the club would complain to Fifa. Buck and Chelsea emphatically refute the allegations and no complaint has been made.

Zahavi was in Brazil last week to try to persuade Neymar to sign for Chelsea but, under severe pressure from senior figures in the country's football establishment, including Pele and the new coach Mano Menezes, he agreed to stay.

This also involved an increase in the buy-out clause in his contract from £29 million to £37 million but despite all this Chelsea are considering returning to the negotiating table with a new bid.

An offer of £17 million was flatly rejected in June and Chelsea last week offered £23 million.

Whether they are now prepared to increase that offer remains to be seen but the fact that Zahavi is still negotiating with the Chelsea hierarchy and in a dialogue with Neymar's father and Santos suggests that the deal is not dead.

It may well be that Chelsea are pushing to sign the player for the January transfer window which may appease critics and the public in Brazil. Indeed Neymar's decision to remain at Santos was even praised by the country's prime minister.

Chelsea have been trying to secure a so-called marquee signing all summer with efforts to buy Liverpool striker Fernando Torres floundering despite the Spanish international's advisers indicating he may be ready to quit Anfield.

Neymar is regarded as the hottest young talent in Brazil and despite his age and lack of experience there was an outcry when he was excluded from the World Cup squad.

He scored 14 goals in 19 league games last season and a further 11 in just eight Copa Brasil ties.

He is still quite slight and there are concerns he may struggle to cope with the demands of English football but Chelsea are confident he is a player who can make a big difference to them.

Neymar Will Join Chelsea 'Eventually' Claims Agent

Santos starlet Neymar is likely to join Chelsea at some point in his career, according to the player's international agent.

Chelsea had been keen to sign Brazil international Neymar, 18, this summer, but a bid said to be worth £23 million failed to convince his club to sell and the player has since committed to a new five-year deal.

Neymar, though, has appointed Pini Zahavi to represent him internationally on a two-year deal, and the agent has revived the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge.

"Neymar will stay with Santos but I'm sure he will become a Chelsea player eventually," he told The Sun. "He loves Santos and wants to win the Copa Libertadores, but Neymar also knows that for his career he needs to move to a big club."

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro, meanwhile, is eager to tie Paulo Henrique - also known as Ganso - down to a similar deal.

"We'll put together a plan for Ganso before the offers come from abroad, as they did with Chelsea for Neymar," he told Terra. "Paulo Henrique, like Neymar, is a precious gem with great potential. Hopefully he will stay."

Chelsea Consider £8m Move For Monaco Striker Park Chu-Young

Chelsea is considering a move for Monaco striker Park Chu-Young after he impressed for South Korea at the 2010 World Cup, according to The Sun.

The striker's representatives reportedly held talks with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their 6-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Ancelotti is set to decide in the next 48 hours whether to meet Monaco's £8 million asking price for the 25-year-old, and the deal could help Chelsea make a commercial impact in the Far East.

Along with Manchester United midfielder Ji-Sung Park, Park Chu-Young is among the best known sportsmen in the Far East and could prove lucrative in shirt sales and other marketing ventures.

Chelsea Bid £10m For Martin Demichelis, But He Prefers Sevilla

Bayern Munich centre-back Martin Demichelis wants to snub Chelsea for Sevilla.

Chelsea has made a £10million bid for the 29-year-old Argentine, but according to the Mail, he has expressed his preference for the La Liga side.

Demichelis was on the bench in Bayern's 2-1 win against VfL Wolfsburg on Friday, and is said to be eying a move away.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said he wants keep the player, but Demichelis' agent, Jorge Cyterszpiller, says he could be on his way out.

Football Ferns Skipper Joins Chelsea

New Zealand women's football captain Hayley Moorwood has signed a one-year deal with English giants Chelsea and will play in next year's Super League championship.

The new Football Association-backed Super League launches in March as an eight-team professional league, superseding the FA Women's Premier League as the top women's competition in England.

Chelsea finished third to Arsenal and Everton in the final two seasons of the Premier League, missing out on a place in the 2011 UEFA Women's Champions League by a solitary point in the 2009/10 domestic season.

Moorwood opted for Chelsea despite interest from London rivals Arsenal and now hopes to help the Blues break into the top two.

"Joining a club like Chelsea is an exciting move at an exciting time for women's football in England and back home," Moorwood said.

"The concentration of top English and international talent will make the new Super League a tough competition but hopefully we can mount a challenge for the title and qualify for the 2012 Champions League."

The 51-cap midfielder takes the number of Football Ferns playing professionally overseas to four with German-based VfL Wolfsburg defender Rebecca Smith joined by Ali Riley (FC Gold Prise, USA) and Kirsty Yallop (Kristianstads DFF, Sweden) this year.

"Over the last few years the Ferns have been to a World Cup, the Olympics and other international tournaments and our age group teams are also on the world stage so overseas clubs are seeing our players mixing it with the best players in the world and recognising what we are capable of," Moorwood said.

Football Ferns coach John Herdman expected the number of his players signing professional contacts to increase in line with the rise in number and sustainability of women's professional leagues around the World.

"There are more and more opportunities for our talented players," he said.

"The chances for university scholarships in the USA and international travel are still there and our New Zealand-based players are Sparc-carded athletes but now aspiring young female footballers can look to the likes of Riley, Smith, Yallop and Moorwood being paid to play the game they love as examples of the possibilities."

Moorwood has already begun training with her new team at Chelsea's Cobham-based training grounds - the same facility used by the men's team - but is expected to return to New Zealand in late September to lead the Football Ferns as they attempt to qualify for the 2011 women's World Cup in Germany via the eight-nation OFC women's Nations Cup at North Harbour Stadium from September 29 to October 8.

Mancienne Returns To Wolves

Wolves have signed Michael Mancienne for a third time after the Chelsea defender moved to Molineux on a season-long loan.

Mancienne has enjoyed loan spells with Mick McCarthy's side for the past two seasons, making 10 appearances during the club's 2008/09 Championship winning campaign.

He returned to the club following their promotion to the Premier League last term and proved a versatile performer in making 33 appearances in all competitions.

The 22-year-old, who can also play in midfield, reportedly handed in a transfer request at Stamford Bridge over the summer and that led to speculation of a permanent move to Wolves.

However, McCarthy had stressed that Mancienne would be out of his club's price range and he would only be interested in a loan deal.

McCarthy has now managed to secure a deal for Mancienne and he could go straight into the squad for Saturday's game at home to Newcastle United.

The former England Under-21 international has made just six appearances during his Chelsea career and has not been involved in the 18-man squad for the champions' opening two league matches.

Stoke Determined To Keep Asmir Begovic Out Of Chelsea Clutches

The Stoke chairman is doing his utmost to keep goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, despite heavy interest from Chelsea and claims that the Bosnian refused to play in Tuesday's Carling Cup victory against Shrewsbury to try and force through a move.

'This is an internal matter - and we will decide on what action to take,' Peter Coates told Sky Sports News. "Asmir Begovic remains our player.

"He is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the Premier League and we are not interested in any new offers from Chelsea.

"We are not interested in what Chelsea do and we have already rejected an offer, from them, for Begovic. We wouldn't welcome another bid from Chelsea and, as far as I am aware, we have not received a new offer from Chelsea for him."

Begovic has denied claims he refused to play on Tuesday, citing a misunderstanding.

PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes told Sky Sports News: "The PFA would not condone a player refusing to play for his club.

"But Asmir was at great pains to make it clear to me and the wider public that at no stage had he actually said that he refused to play for the club.

"It's common knowledge now that there has been a bid received. From Asmir's point of view he says that he had a conversation with the manager in which he was asked whether he was 100 per cent fit and ready to play.

"Asmir's take is that he had indicated that his mind was a little bit scrambled by things and that probably if there was an alternative it would be best if he didn't play.

"But he says at no stage did he say that he wouldn't play, and had he been asked to play he would have done so."

Arsenal Fight Chelsea For Stoke Keeper Begovic

It’s a bit late in the day for a new cast member to arrive in the Arsenal goalkeeping soap opera, but that hasn't stopped Metro from announcing that Stoke City's on-strike stopper Asmir Begovic could be the new man between the sticks at the Emirates.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina stopper had already been linked with a move to Chelsea and reportedly refused to train with his team-mates in a bid to force manager Tony Pulis to sell him before the transfer window closes. And now it seems that Arsene Wenger as well as Carlo Ancelotti is interested in buying him.

Arsenal has been linked to almost every keeper in Europe this summer but has failed to land anyone. Now, with just five days left before the transfer window shuts they may be prepared to abandon their chase of Mark Schwarzer, the man most hotly tipped to join the Gunners, in favour of 23-year-old Begovic.

Carlo - Drogba Staying Put

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says star striker Didier Drogba will definitely not be leaving for Real Madrid.

The Ivory Coast ace, 32, has made himself a legend at Stamford Bridge over the last six years, leading the line with great success in recent seasons.

Drogba has already bagged himself three goals in the Premier League this term, and was the league's top scorer with 29 strikes to his name during the last campaign.

He has been linked with a possible switch to Los Merengues, where he would be reunited with former Blues manager Jose Mourinho, but Ancelotti insists he is going nowhere.

He told Sky Italia: "Drogba to Real Madrid? He is happy to stay here, is happy with his moment and we don't deprive ourselves of a player like him."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti aired his views on two other renowned frontmen, Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is thought to be nearing a move to AC Milan, and new Manchester City signing Mario Balotelli.

The Italian coach admits he tried to sign Ibrahimovic when he was manager of the Rossoneri, and believes Balotelli will do well in England.

He added: "Ibrahimovic to Milan? In 2006 I wanted to take him, then the deal vanished. At Milan he would do well."

While on Balotelli, Ancelotti remarked: "He's very good. City have made a good buy, but I never said I was afraid of him."

Chelsea Target Martin Demichelis

The agent of Argentina and Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis claims Chelsea are interested in signing his client.

Demichelis is expected to leave Bayern after asking to be omitted from the squad that faced Wolfsburg on the opening day of the season having learned he had failed to make Louis van Gaal's starting line-up.

Demichelis has been at the club since 2003 and won the domestic Double last season, but Holger Badstuber and Daniel van Buyten were selected ahead of him, with Van Gaal saying: "He won the title last season, but now has been replaced and he must accept that, it's not easy."

Chelsea have sold Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid this summer and Demichelis' agent claims the Blues are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in the Argentina international, as well as Italian Juventus.

"I have always had an excellent relationship with Juve," agent Jorge Cyterszpiler told calciomercato.it. "We spoke with Juventus, but they are not the only club interested.

"There are at least four clubs in for the player; as well as the Bianconeri there are also Barcelona, Chelsea and Sevilla. In Italy there is also Fiorentina, Napoli and Roma that have always liked him, but it is outside their budget."

Carlo Denies Burdisso Link

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied that he is interested in bringing defender Nicolas Burdisso to the club.

The 29-year-old Argentina international has been linked with a switch from Inter Milan to Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting Ancelotti is keen to bolster his backline.

However, the Italian coach claims he already has enough defenders at his disposal and the player's agent has also revealed no approach has been made.

Ancelotti told Sky Italia: "Burdisso at Chelsea? It's not true. We have three defenders at the highest level."

Meanwhile, Burdisso's agent Fernando Hidalgo told vocegiallorossa.it: "Chelsea's offer for Burdisso? No, I have received no proposal from the management of the London club about Burdisso.

"We will do everything to bring back Nicolas to Roma and we will try to reach an agreement until we'll have opportunity and time to do it."

Burdisso spent last season on loan with Inter's Serie A rivals Roma and he proved a hit at the Stadio Olimpico.

Wigan Athletic Set To Land Chelsea FC Striker

Chelsea FC striker Franco di Santo is reportedly on the verge of joining Wigan Athletic on loan.

The young Blues hitman is expected to agree to a loan move to the DW Stadium before Latics take on Tottenham on Saturday.

With Latics having failed to score in either of their two opening games, boss Roberto Martinez is looking to add firepower to his forward line.

He is also expected to bring in the Mexican and former Hammers marksman Guillermo Franco.

Ramires Looking To Have Big Impact On Chelsea's Bid For Another Premier League Title

New Chelsea midfielder Ramires is hoping to help his new team on their way to a second consecutive Premier League title.

The Brazil international came to the Blues from Benfica for £18.2 million after impressing at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Ramires is looking forward to making his first appearance for Chelsea, and the Brazilian insists that Carlo Ancelotti could hand him his debut against Stoke City on Saturday.

“I cannot wait to play my first game for Chelsea. I've spoken to the manager and that could happen this Saturday,” Ramires told The Mirror.

"My debut will be incredible for me because I've always dreamed of this chance. It will be a great moment for me.

"Chelsea have begun the season like a locomotive engine but the season is long and the matches are not always easy. For me, Chelsea is the favourite for the title and I want to be in the starting XI. That is my target."

The Brazilian is settling into his new home city, and Ramires is hoping that he will find great success during his time in London.

"London is wonderful. I have visited the city with my wife Islana and its enormous and very interesting.

"I want to be a success in the Premier League, stay for a long time and enjoy my football on the pitch.

"I am working hard every day in training hoping to get my opportunity. To play at Stamford Bridge in front of the fans will be perfect.”

Ancelotti Admits Abramovich Cut Up Over Shevchenko Flop

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti admits club owner Roman Abramovich took personally the failure of Andriy Shevchenko at Stamford Bridge.

In his new book, 'The Beautiful Games of an Ordinary Genius', which is being serialised in the News of the World, Ancelotti details his first meetings with Abramovich as he was considered for the Blues job.

Their first meeting was in May 2008 at hotel in Geneva.

"Abramovich wanted to know everything about me, about the way I work, about my philosophy," said Ancelotti. "He was looking for a team with a clear identity. As he told me: 'Like Manchester United, Liverpool, or Milan - certainly not my Chelsea.'"

Two weeks later, at the Hotel George V in Paris - and after an embarrassing encounter in the lobby with a rival candidate - Ancelotti sat down once more with Abramovich and his entourage.

Ancelotti recalled the conversation: "The inevitable question: How would I change the way Chelsea plays, if we were to come to an understanding?

"'Chairman, your team is very physical, they need to field a more diverse array of skills.' I come up with a couple of names, Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso, players that would give the team an advantage.

"He comes up with a third name: Andriy Shevchenko - a player he clearly cares about deeply.’I can't figure out why he's not playing, ever since we brought him to England, he's just not the real Sheva anymore, I don't know why he's having so much trouble.'

"He's not intimidating, even when he says to me, with a slight catch in his voice: 'Look, we just lost out on the Champions League finals, we just got bounced out of the championship, I have nothing to be happy about. Chelsea just seems to lack personality. My ambition is to win every game my team plays, but right now I just don't recognize my team.'

"He cares very much about winning and about playing the game with style."

Pat Nevin: Speaking Volumes

It was the best of times, it was, well the best of times. Obviously Charles Dickens wasn't thinking of Chelsea's current form when he started A Tale of Two Cities, but what else can you say after winning the double and starting the next season with two incredible 6-0 wins?

There must be a number of reasons why the play is just so fluent at the moment. Clearly this group of players knows each other's strengths incredibly well, there is now an understanding that is bordering on telepathic with quite a few lads in the team.

There is also happily a willingness to strive to stay right at the top from just about every single member of the group. A few stinging articles during and after the World Cup have only served to strengthen the resolve of those who it had been suggested were not only over the hill, but tumbling down the other side at a rate of knots.

Realistically there will be dips in form this season, there always are after a World Cup year. Quite a few players, not only at Chelsea, haven't had enough time to rest and recover from the previous season, so niggling injuries will also become a problem. At the moment however, it is all fun in the sun with no one feeling any pain.

Fun also appears to be one of the important things in the Chelsea team at the moment. The spirit is clearly at an incredible level between the lads, the giveaway comes with the reaction to, and the celebration of, the goals.

A prime example came with the second goal against Wigan at the weekend. Nic Anelka buried it beautifully in the bottom corner and the players nearest him went to celebrate with the scorer, but the reaction of the midfielders and defenders to Mikel for his fantastic, raking, 50 yard, pinpoint pass was a joy to see.

John Terry looks as delighted as if he has scored the winner in the Champions League final himself. This is not a forced or selfish reaction, this is the generous reaction of man who deeply cares about his team mate. Mikel is duly swamped by everyone around him after the goal and it speaks volumes for what they feel about a player who isn't usually the most celebrated of the group.

Now I will own up that I was maybe a little surprised by the quality and the vision of the pass. I am hopefully not being too disrespectful but it was a pass you would expect to be played by a Lampard, Scholes or a Beckham. Now that we know he has got that in his locker, maybe he should try it a little more often. As sitting midfielder his first job is to break up play and then give the ball to the known creative types, but that moment of adventure allied to the confidence he gained from his mates smothering him might just lead to a boost in confidence.

Of course Didier Drogba couldn't let it lie and decided to get in on the act, spraying a few balls from one side of the pitch to the other with deadly accuracy, just to show that he can do it too, even if he is not exactly renowned for it either. Didier's pass for Kalou's goal was even better however because of the unselfishness of the act. Having picked the ball up on the half way line and powered past their entire defence, you might have excused him from having a pop from 20 yards himself, it would have been a goal of the season contender. He didn't do that, he elected to do the right thing and slip his countryman through for a tap in. It was brilliant, selfless and the work of a team player.

It summed up for me why the Blues are looking just so good right now. Everyone is thinking of the group, there is an unselfishness to the play and to the glory, it is all shared equally. From the outside you might think every team should be like that, but in reality it is rarely the case. Footballers are winners and there is an inbuilt self serving part of being a champion in sport, even if it is a team game. The trick is to get the balance right between egocentricity and shared goals, right now they are doing just that and much of the praise must go to the manager for getting the mix just right.