Joe Cole Closer To England Exit With Likely Snub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chelsea Must Keep Stars, Says John Terry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young Internationals Star On European Stage

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olympique De Marseille’s Charles Kabore Associated With Chelsea Move

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

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

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

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

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

Ancelotti Hopes To Beat AC Milan To Edin Dzeko

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

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

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

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

Chelsea Is Scouting Uruguayan Striker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mourinho Plans £50M Blues Raid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rajevac: Essien Vital To African Finals

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

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

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

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

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

Company Claims Modelling Deal With Chelsea FC Stars

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

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

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

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

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

Cole Begins Divorce Proceedings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chelsea Contingent Make Absence Felt In Disjointed England Display

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anelka Hoping To Shine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Internationals: Carvalho Back In Action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chelsea Favourites To Sign Barcelona Midfielder Toure

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

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

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

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

West Ham Blow Stuns Obi MIkel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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