Chelsea Weighing Up £25m Neymar Bid

Chelsea are contemplating a £25 million bid for Brazilian starlet Neymar, a deal that would see the highly-rated striker become the most expensive teenager in world football.

Neymar, 18, has impressed at Santos over the past 12 months, and his performances led to widespread calls for Dunga to call him up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

He didn't make the plane to South Africa but that hasn't stopped Chelsea working on an offer to bring one of the world's hottest prospects to England, with the Blues thought to be deep in discussions about a possible move.

Neymar's current contract runs until 2014, but Santos is happy to cash in. The club insists they will not do a deal for anything less than the striker's £28.4 million release clause, but if Chelsea come anywhere close to that figure, the Brazilian side are certain to sell.

"Chelsea want the boy, but wanted him to gain some experience in English football first with another club," A source close to the transfer told Soccernet. "That doesn't look likely, so it wouldn't be a huge surprise if they buy him outright, and a bid anywhere over £20 million is sure to persuade Santos to sell."

Under rules in Brazil, Neymar was prohibited from registering for a team outside Brazil until his 18th birthday, but with the first transfer window since he turned 18 in February now open, Chelsea are considering a bid.

West Ham had been making all the running to acquire the teenager, but, clearly the Hammers couldn't afford to buy Neymar outright, and the door is now open for Chelsea.

Neymar's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, masterminded the deal that took Robinho from Santos to Real Madrid in 2005, as well as the same player's subsequent £34 million British-record transfer to Manchester City - and now he is behind an astonishing move to bring Neymar to English football.

The boy's father, Neymar da Silva Santos, has appeared happy with the arrangement to let his son settle into a completely new environment, which could still include a learning curve with West Ham before heading on to Stamford Bridge.

A potential stumbling block is that the boy is 40% owned by a group of investors, and to qualify to play for a club in England, the third party owners would have to be bought out entirely.

Chelsea Offer £50m For Torres

Chelsea has made a club record £50million bid for Fernando Torres. Liverpool turned down a £40m offer for the Spanish striker, 26, last week.

And the Anfield club made it clear they would not welcome any further approaches for their World Cup-winning star.

But that will not deter Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich from stepping up the pursuit of his top target this summer.

A top Stamford Bridge source said: "It's true Liverpool have knocked back the first bid of £40m but it's highly unlikely that will be the end to it.

"Let's see what happens when an offer of £50m lands on Christian Purslow's desk."

Red Rom is now on holiday after spending two weeks at the World Cup finals in South Africa but will test Liverpool's resolve by upping his offer.

He is hoping a significantly improved offer will concentrate minds at a club that has failed to qualify for the Champions League.

They are also £350m in debt and made a £55m loss in the last financial year.

Torres, who joined Liverpool for £21.5m from Atletico Madrid three years ago, met with new Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson and managing director Purslow this week in Spain.

But that did little to stifle speculation surrounding his future.

And if the Kop favourite comes out publicly and demands to leave Merseyside, then Liverpool may reluctantly consider doing a deal.

But sources close to the hitman, who will be out for three weeks after tearing an abductor muscle in the World Cup final, say he is in no rush to commit himself either way yet.

A Liverpool insider said: "The club was quick to reject Chelsea's £40m bid and tell them Torres is not for sale.

"Fernando could kill the deal stone dead by coming right out and committing himself to the club. Hopefully he'll do that sooner rather than later."

Newcastle In For Chelsea Starlet

Newcastle United has been linked with a move for Chelsea's teenage left-back Patrick Van Aanholt.

The Dutch Under-21 International impressed during a month long loan spell in January last year, when he deputised for injured first choice left back Jose Enrique.

It now appears that Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is keen on bringing the 19-year-old, who can also play on the left wing, back to St James' Park ahead of the new Premier League season.

It is not clear whether Hughton wants to sign the youngster on loan or permanently but any deal could rest on the future of Ashley Cole, who has been linked with a £30million move to Real Madrid.

Should Cole make the move to Spain then Chelsea may prefer to keep the young Dutchman at Stamford Bridge.

Annan Eyes English Move

Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan is hopeful of winning a move to the Premier League this summer.

A number of clubs have been linked with a move for Annan after he impressed at the World Cup with Ghana.

The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the Rosenborg ace and the 23-year-old admits he would be interested in a move to England or any major European league.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed, but I don't know the future yet," Annan told Sky Sports News.

"I am still playing and the transfer market is not over yet.

"I am just hoping one or two things happen before the close of the transfer market and just hoping good things will come out of that.

"I think if I have opportunity to play there [England] I would be very grateful. If not Germany, Italy, Spain, everywhere. I think I will be ready to play over there.

"My agent knows what's going on and I will have a meeting with him and discuss what is happening with my future."

Crewe Loanee Rhys Taylor Keen To Stay For Entire Season

Chelsea goalkeeper Rhys Taylor says he is keen to extend his two-month loan at Crewe Alexandra for the whole season.

Taylor, 20, told BBC Radio Stoke: "I would like to stay if the manager [Dario Gradi] wants to keep me.

"I want to have a good season with no injuries and I want to play as many games as I can for Crewe."

Taylor is likely to start the season as Crewe's number one goalkeeper while experienced stopper Steve Phillips recovers from a shoulder operation.

The Wales Under-21 international was recommended to the Alex by former Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland, who now takes charge of the reserve team at Chelsea.

"He's been great with some of the young players," added Taylor.

"It can be difficult at a club like Chelsea, dealing with young players who are getting upset because they're not playing.

"He's done well and he's been a massive part of getting me to this club."

Taylor, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea or Queen's Park Rangers, where he spent six weeks on loan last season, has set his sights on eventually succeeding Petr Cech and becoming the number one goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.

"It's a big target but I'm still only 20 and for a keeper that's only a baby," said Taylor.

"I want to get some experience and some league games. I've been playing in the reserves at Chelsea since I was 15 so I've been doing that for a while and I think it's time to step it up."

Profiling the Future - Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2009 from Manchester City for a fee set by the tribunal at £3.5million. Sturridge from his very childhood was a football person. He signed for the Aston Villa Academy at just 8 years of age and spent 4 years with them before joining Coventry.

Even then Sturridge did things with the ball that much older kids could only dream of. City were so impressed by his work they paid £30,000 for the 13 year old to join their youth set-up.

A year later, aged just 14 he took part in the Nike Cup, the worlds greatest U-15 football tournament. He single-handedly led City to victory as he picked up both 'Player of the Season` and the 'Golden Boot` award.

Aged 16, in their 2005/2006 FA Youth Cup Sturridge scored 6 times (including 2 in the final) to help City finish runners up for the first time in 11 years.

Immediately drafted into the reserves by City he impressed mightily scoring 9 times in 6 games including a hat-trick. His first real impact for City came in his first start for the club in 2008/2009 as he scored 2 in 2 against Derby and Sheffield.

The English media began to rave about the performances of the young lad.

Despite continuing to impress as a City first team member he enjoyed having a part in their Youth Cup run and again finished top scorer, including a goal against the young blues in the final.

He made 16 league appearances meanwhile for City that year scoring 4 and making 3. He was voted their Young Player of the Year.

Sturridge, along with Turnbull, was one of the young Englishmen the blues decided to bring in. Upon his arrival Danny fit right in with the big names at the Bridge. He felt he was finally fulfilling his potential and upon his move he said:

'Chelsea is the right move for me, I have earned this chance. They already have great strikers in Anelka and Didier. One can learn a lot from such names.'

Sturridge came in with the right attitude and was rewarded for his efforts. He scored in pre-season on his debut against Seattle, set up perfectly by Anelka. He also proved a handful for Jose's Inter, winning a penalty that Lampard slotted home.

Sturridge was very impressive in the Reserves League for the blues scoring 6 times in 5 appearances. This however was nothing to his FA Cup run where he scored 4 times in 3 matches to help Chelsea make it to the semi-final.

He however did not get his chance to match the great Peter Osgood's record as he did not play any part in the semi or the final as Chelsea lifted the trophy. He was our top scorer.

In the League Danny was very impressive, showing his versatility in playing in several positions. He proved equally effective down the right, left or in the centre. His talent on the ball and pace proved tough for opposition to deal with and whenever he came on the tempo of the game usually went up a notch.

He scored his first Chelsea goal in the win over Stoke 7-0. It was the 6th as a perfect Didier pass was found by his agile feet and he delicately rounded the keeper Begovic and slotted home. His celebration was worth watching.

In a total of 13 Premier League appearances he scored once and had 3 assists. Danny, at 20 still has a long way to go in his career. The early signs suggest that he is a man gifted with insane quality and if he gets his chance, with as many appearances as some of the senior lads, he can easily cross the 20 goal mark.

Essien: Back For Good

Yesterday was the day for Michael Essien as the midfielder makes his long-awaited return from a knee injury.

The midfielder has not appeared in Chelsea colours since December, enduring a frustrating time on the sidelines while his team-mates lifted the Premier League and FA Cup Double and then headed to South Africa for the World Cup.

For the Ghanaian, it has been a summer of rehabilitation rather than relaxation, but the hard work looks to be paying dividends as he anticipates his return against Crystal Palace yesterday afternoon.

'I know now I will play, and it will be nice to have 45 minutes like the other guys to test my fitness,' said the 27-year-old. 'It feels good, it's been a long time but I am back in full training now, everything is good and there is no reaction from the training, so things are looking good for me.

'I didn't have any holidays because of my rehab, but it will be good to start up again and I am looking forward to the rest of the boys coming back as well.

'I'd love to have been there playing at the end of the season, it wasn't easy for me but I supported my team-mates to win their matches, that's all I could do. I became a supporter and to end the season with two trophies was amazing and I was enjoying it like everyone even though I didn't play the whole season.'

Essien acknowledges that being given the go-ahead today will mean he is one of the more senior players on show with the majority of his first team colleagues still on vacation.

'We're still waiting for the rest of the other players from the World Cup but we have a lot of good young players here as well,' he said.

'I think it's good to start the pre-season games with them and to see them play, so the manager can see how good they are. I think the club has a great future with those players and I can see in training they are doing well at the moment.'

While his team-mates were taking plaudits for their work on the field, Essien has been taking impressive steps off it - this week he has been announced as a peace ambassador for 2010 by the African Union.

'It's great to be appointed an ambassador in Africa and I am looking forward to working with them, I hope everything will go really well and I can help get the message across for peace in Africa,' Essien explained.

'They requested me to meet them for a meeting but I am busy with pre-season so one of my representatives is there for a meeting and will come back and talk to me about it soon. From now you will have to call me Ambassador Essien!'

With the prospect of seeing him back in Chelsea blue, this new title seems a very small price to pay.

Alex Convinced Yossi Benayoun Signing Will Help Club Retain Premier League Title

Chelsea defender Alex has been impressed with new boy Yossi Benayoun in pre-season training and is convinced "he will help" the club retain the Premier League title.

Alex, 28, has been preparing with the rest of the squad for the campaign ahead without the club's World Cup 2010 contingent. Despite missing the likes of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, he has been kept on his toes by the signing from Liverpool.

Speaking to the club's official website, Alex praised the Israeli international's impact since being snapped up by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"He is a good man, he is experienced and I think he will help us this season. We need players of this quality,' Alex said.

"He is difficult to mark when we do this in training - attackers v defenders - and I have to have more concentration in defence."

New Chelsea Starlet Tomas Kalas Admits To Snubbing Premier League Rivals Arsenal

New Chelsea signing Tomas Kalas has revealed he rejected Arsenal to make the £5 million switch to the Premier League champions.

Kalas, 17, has joined the Blues from Czech side Sigma Olomouc on a contract that runs until 2016. As one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe, he had a pick of teams to move to.

Despite visiting the Gunners - as well as German sides Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim - the childhood fan was determined to force through a move to Carlo Ancelotti's side.

"There were rumours flying around already during the spring, but at that time there were more clubs around me," Kalas told iDnes.cz.

"It became more specific only after the U-17 European Championship in Liechtenstein in May. Chelsea scouts were present there.

"Then I, my dad and Olomouc were proposed a specific offer. But Mr [Frank, sporting director] Arnesen told me I had been on the list already before the Euro and they had been following me for two years."

Kalas has only made one appearance in the Czech top flight so far and will stay at Sigma on loan next season. He further revealed he not only rejected Arsene Wenger's advances, but a pair of moves to the Bundesliga.

"Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim from the Bundesliga and apart from Chelsea also Arsenal," Kalas added.

"I have been to both German clubs and also Arsenal, but the best impression was left on me by Chelsea.

"People say that Arsenal are famous for their academy, but from what I could see during my days at Chelsea, that really impressed me.

"Even my dad thought of Chelsea as the best option. Moreover, I have been a Chelsea fan since I was a little kid.

"I am convinced I have made the right decision by joining Chelsea. After all, by this I am making my dream come true."

Olympique Marseille Pursuing Audacious Move For Chelsea Star Didier Drogba

Olympique Marseille remain interested in tempting Didier Drogba away from Chelsea and back to Ligue 1, according to a report from France Football.

The French outfit apparently contacted the Ivorian a few weeks ago, but at that stage it looked like his wage demands would prove prohibitive.

However, OM are trying to reduce their wage bill and trim their squad, which may create room in the budget for Drogba.

The striker, 32, knows that the Blues are looking for a new, younger centre-forward and Marseille might offer him a longer contract on slightly lower wages, similar to the strategy employed by Paris Saint-Germain when they snapped up Claude Makelele.

The move is at present on ice, according to the report, although Drogba remains on Marseille's shortlist, with the French club believing a fee of around £12.5 million (€15m) could be enough to snare the striker.

France's Nicolas Anelka Refuses To Apologise About Player Strike

Nicolas Anelka has refused to apologise for his role in the players’ strike that undermined France’s World Cup campaign.

Anelka was sent home from the World Cup after a verbal confrontation with manager Raymond Domenech during France's 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

The rest of the squad subsequently refused to train in protest at Anelka's expulsion and finished their campaign bottom of Group A with just one point and one goal to their credit.

There were calls in France for Anelka to be banned from representing his country for the rest of his career, though new coach Laurent Blanc has since hinted the door may still be open for a return.

However, last night Anelka insisted the atmosphere inside the France camp at the World Cup was like a time bomb.

“If it hadn’t been me that brought it to a head, someone else would. It was waiting to happen," Anelka said.

"Everyone, and I really mean everyone, was as one. If there were some players who wanted to train, let them speak now. But I’m 100 per cent sure that nobody will want to.”

Anelka’s France team-mate Jeremy Toulalan publicly attacked Domenech’s methods at the time and recently admitted he played a direct role in the training ground boycott.

"I'm not proud of what I did but I accept responsibility," Toulalan said.

"There were no ringleaders and no slaves, no good guys and no bad guys. We were all involved and we are all responsible because nobody said a word [against the boycott]. Whoever says otherwise is a liar”.

Profiling The Future - Jeffrey Bruma

Bruma signed for Chelsea from Feyenoord aged 15 for a paltry £100,000. His skills were evident even then as he plied his trade in their youth setup having appeared for their B team aged only 14.

Youth Coach Mario Been was devastated at the loss stating:

'I am not happy that the board has let him go, I expressed his importance to the future of Feyenoord to the board. He was the jewel of our setup, but it is not my decision.'

Joining Chelsea at this tender age, he had little problems adapting to the friendly environment at Cobham. He began the 2007/08 season admirably and aged just 16 he managed to make a place in the reserves set-up.

He played in almost every game for the Youth team and made 3 appearances for the reserves.

In the 2008/09 season Bruma was involved in every game in our run to the Youth Cup Final defeat scoring 2 headed goals en route to the final. He made further reserve appearances and his form was so impressive that having barely turned 17 he was called up to the Holland U-21 team.

He has been selected to start for almost every game since. 2009/10 was the breakthrough year for Bruma as much as it was for all the other youngsters. The arrival of Carletto, saw him get his chance to impress with the first team... perhaps in his case, more deserving than any other youngster in the squad.

In a team with amazing defenders of the likes of Carvalho, Terry, Ivanovic and Alex, Bruma was still able to stake a claim for himself as he made 2 league appearances for the blues, helping them keep clean sheets against both Wolves and Blackburn in 40 minute spells.

He played in the Carling Cup exit to Blackburn as well, coming on as a substitute for Belletti. The management were very impressed by his performances in each. Meanwhile, he was also taking part in the Youth campaign. He played in almost all games in the FA Youth Cup triumph and scored in the Final first leg at Villa Park.

Bruma has not been in the game very long but he has all the qualities to be one of the best defenders of the coming era and if he continues to improve at this rate.... even the best. His qualities being showcased at such an age suggest that if Chelsea can hang on to this one and nurture him that £100,000 spent can be increased at least 500 times in value.

Alex: Back Among Young

At 28 years of age Alex is all set to be the old man at the heart of the Chelsea defence when the pre-season games kick off tomorrow at Selhurst Park.

John Terry, Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic are all yet to return to training following World Cup action and Jose Bosingwa has yet to rejoin full training.

He is in the final stages of recovery from knee surgery so the likes of Michael Mancienne, Sam Hutchinson, Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick van Aanholt and Ryan Bertrand come into the frame for defensive positions alongside the Brazilian for the match at Crystal Palace.

Several possible combinations have been worked upon in training Alex reports.

'It is good to start the pre-season games after two weeks everyday with training,' he tells the Official Chelsea Website.

'We start with what I think is a difficult game and we don't have many of the other players here yet, but we have a good group with the reserve team coming in to play a part and it is important to win the first game of pre-season.

'It is good for us in training games because the young players never stop running,' he smiles. 'They are always up and down the pitch and it is good for your condition. You always have to pay attention.

'It has been good working together with players like Jeffrey and Michael Mancienne who are sometimes also as left back and right back.'

Alex as much as anyone is pleased to have joined the preparations from day one having seen this stage disrupted by injury the last two years.

'When I arrived here two weeks ago the doctors spent one training session with me in the morning but I felt good and I trained normally. I had a problem the last two pre-seasons but this season it's very good.

The Future In France

The international football continues to come thick and fast as this weekend Chelsea youngsters embark on their pursuit of the Uefa Under-19 championship in northern France.

After coming through two rounds of qualifying, Gael Kakuta (France), Fabio Borini and Jacopo Sala (Italy), Jacob Mellis (England), plus Matej Delac (Croatia) who has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Chelsea, will all be monitored closely by sporting director Frank Arnesen and our Academy staff.

Their involvement follows off the back of having 12 senior internationals representing us at the World Cup in South Africa, a number that would have been higher but for injuries, and England's success at the Under 17 European Championship, in which Josh McEachran and schoolboy Nathaniel Chalobah featured.

'In the last few years we have increased our number of players on the international level very much, and for the Academy last season was fantastic, two players as Under 17 champions, and now players in different teams battling for the Under 19 title in Europe,' says Arnesen.

'These are very important players in their own teams - Mellis has done very well for England, at one stage he played four games and scored in all four. Then we have Borini, the captain of Italy, and Sala, the vice-captain, which is very good.

'If you take Borini, he has already played at Under 21, which is unusual at his age in Italian football. Then we have the host of the tournament, France, and Kakuta. He is one of the most exciting players at this level, he proved that at Under 17 when they lost the Final to Spain.'

Goalkeeper Delac has been a regular in the first team at Croatian side Inter Zapresic for over a year, and has signed a pre-contract agreement so he is due to arrive at Stamford Bridge next season.

'He is not so well known and it will be very good to see him at that level, he has a lot of experience, he has played one-and-a-half years of senior football in Croatia, and is looking good,' Arnesen explains.

'Holland is also qualified but haven't taken Jeffrey Bruma, because the Dutch thinking is that he is already playing regularly at Under 21, he has passed that stage and moved up, so it could have been more players, a fantastic achievement for us I think.'
The former Denmark international goes on to add that for the club it is no problem to release young players at this time of year rather than the busier periods during the calendar.

'It is very awkward if Fifa and Uefa arrange championships during the season, it is very poor because everyone knows players are already playing at the highest level, so they have to consider that clubs will withdraw them, but this is a good time to do it.

'We think it is a good experience for them. July is a good month, they have had their holidays, they can play the tournament and hopefully one of our guys will win.'

On Sunday England play Austria, France play Netherlands, Croatia play Spain and Italy take on Portugal.

Fans Take To Pitch At Cobham

Chelsea fans from around the world descended on the Cobham training ground to participate in the third annual supporters' tournament.

Teams made up from supporters groups across the UK and beyond competed in the largest tournament yet, featuring 11 sides, all battling it out to win the top prize.

With former Chelsea stars Clive Walker, Colin Pates, Gareth Hall and Steve Finnieston on hand to get involved with the teams, soak up the atmosphere and even join in with a spot of refereeing, and with some gloriously sunny weather, the stage was set for a fantastic contest and we were not disappointed.

With the teams being split into two groups and the top two sides progressing to the final and plate trophy respectively, competition was fierce and tackles were soon sliding in with enthusiasm.

The day kicked off in Group A with the Powerday cfcuk team roaring out of the traps with a 3-0 victory over the travelling men and women of Chelsea Italia, who had flown in specifically for the tournament.

Elsewhere CFC Net and the Chelsea Staff side edged out a narrow 0-0 draw. In Group B the goals came thick and fast with Chelsea Supporters Group defeating the KR Swingers 4-1 and Bucks Chelsea handing out an 8-0 drubbing to Vital Chelsea.

All the players from all sides gave a great account of themselves, leaving everything on the pitch whilst keeping up the buoyant atmosphere at the training ground, despite many tired legs and sunburned faces. A special mention to the staff of St John's Ambulance, who were on hand throughout the day, dealing with players' niggles, injuries and strains.

Alongside the football on display, it was an opportunity for many Chelsea fans, young and old to get together, share stories from the terraces and show their excitement and anticipation of the season to come.

Darren Mantle of cfcnet.co.uk shares his thoughts on the day: 'The tournament was really well run and it was good to play against other Chelsea fans, the turnout was fantastic and it was a nice touch having some Chelsea old boys there too.'

After a series of hard fought games, the group stages ended with Powerday cfcuk topping Group A on goal difference by a single goal over the unlucky Blue and White Army, whilst Chelsea Supporters Group ran out as comfortable winners of Group B with Bucks Chelsea finishing second.

With anticipation for the final building, fans and supporters enjoyed food and drinks from the Chelsea Wagon and gathered to watch Blue and White Army take on Bucks Chelsea for the Plate Trophy. An enthralling contest finished up with Bucks Chelsea as winners by a score of two goals to nil.

So to the final and in an engaging and thoroughly entertaining end to the tournament, Powerday cfcuk emerged as deserved champions after a 4-1 victory over the battle weary Chelsea Supporters Group.

In addition to all of the action, a raffle was held to raise funds and awareness for the outstanding work that Help a London Child do, and over £200 was donated to the charity.

Overall the day was a resounding success and the event organizer, Cliff Auger, had praise for the victors, whilst looking ahead to next year.

'Peter Trenter and I were once again entrusted with organizing the Chelsea Supporters' Tournament and the day went very well and largely without any major mishaps. It obviously takes a lot of hard work but the club has been wonderful with their help and support.

'Congratulations to the two competition winners, Powerday cfcuk and Bucks Chelsea and we look forward to next year and to an event that is becoming firmly established in the Chelsea calendar.'

Chelsea Unconcerned About Rumours Of Real Madrid Move For Ashley Cole

Chelsea believe they are well positioned to resist interest in Ashley Cole from Real Madrid, even if the England defender decides he wants a new challenge abroad.

Cole's displeasure at the intense media focus on his private life in England has raised hopes in Madrid that a deal is possible this summer, with Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas saying he was "confident" that a deal could be done that would reunite the defender with former boss Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea, though, have had no indication from Cole that he wants to leave, and manager Carlo Ancelotti still regards the England left-back as integral to his plans for next season.

Cole signed a new four-year contract only last September, although the interest from Madrid could still be used to negotiate improved terms.

The 29 year-old has been on holiday in the United States and, as is the case with all the Chelsea players who were eliminated in the knockout phase of the World Cup, is not due back for pre-season training until July 26.

Captain John Terry, however, decided to return to the club's Cobham training base this week to begin working on his fitness.

Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, who both missed the World Cup with knee injuries, have also resumed their pre-season and there is confidence that they will both be available for the start of the Premier League season against West Bromwich Albion on Aug 14.

The return of Essien, in particular, would be a major boost after he missed the entire second half of last season and eventually required surgery to correct ligament damage.

"There should be no problem whatsoever," said Ray Wilkins, the Chelsea assistant manager. "Mikel is slightly in advance of Michael Essien but they are both working very well indeed."

Wilkins also stressed the importance of carefully managing the pre-season schedule of the nine Chelsea players who did play in the World Cup in South Africa.

"Normally after a World Cup, you find with those players who come back from it, it is about December when they seem to hit a wall," he said. Chelsea play their first pre-season match of the summer against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Chelsea Set T Sbmit £25m Ofer Fr Inter Sriker Mario Balotelli

Chelsea are ready to submit a €30 million (£25m) bid for Inter striker Mario Balotelli, according to internews.it.

The teenager, already reportedly the envy of both Manchester United and Manchester City is also wanted by the London club. The mega-bid comes just days after Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said he would like to coach the player.

Balotelli's future at Inter has been up in the air after several disciplinary problems last season and the player recently dropped out of the Italian Players' Association (AIC). However, new boss Rafael Benitez recently suggested that the 19-year-old was important to the club.

Considered one of the best prospects in world football, it's unlikely that Balotelli will be sold on the cheap if indeed he leaves the Giuseppe Meazza. He has an impressive record of 20 goals in 59 appearances during his first three seasons in Serie A.

After featuring for the Italian Under-21 team over the past several months, there are also suggestions he could be in line for a call-up to the senior national side under new coach Cesare Prandelli.

Ramires Eyes 'Dream' Chelsea Switch

Highly-rated Brazil international Ramires insists it would be a "dream" to play for Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old's agent revealed earlier this month that the Blues and Bayern Munich had spoken to Benfica over a deal for the midfielder.

Ramires says he isn't surprised by interest in his signature and hopes to play for one of Europe's biggest clubs.

"My agent has told me that a number of clubs are interested in signing me, but this didn't surprise me," he told Record.

"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."

Werder Bremen Admit They Could Sell Germany Star Mesut Oezil

Werder Bremen have admitted that they could yet sell Mesut Oezil this summer, despite previously ruling out any transfer.

Clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus are all closely monitoring the situation of the playmaker, following his superb performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup.

The Bundesliga outfit had made it clear that they were determined to hold on to their star player, by stating that Oezil was not for sale at any price. However, general director Klaus Allofs has now seemingly had second thoughts, revealing that the 21-year-old could leave the Hanseaten after all.

"We're keen to hold on to Mesut for a couple more seasons and we want him to sign a new deal with us," Allofs was quoted as saying by Bild.

"However, if that turns out to be impossible, we might have to look at other solutions."

Oezil's current contract with Werder runs until June 2011, but the Bundesliga outfit could cash in on the gifted midfielder this summer if an offer in the region of £17 million comes in.

Lukaku Set To Snub Chelsea Switch

Belgian wonderkid Romelu Lukaku has been strongly tipped to join the Ancelotti revolution at Stamford Bridge this summer, since it emerged that Didier Drogba had called the Anderlecht teenager earlier this week.

What FIFA will make of Drogba’s comments in light of Chelsea’s recently overturned transfer ban, imposed originally due to the ‘tapping up’ of french winger Gael Kakuta, remains to be seen. Any chance of a transfer, however, has seemingly been scuppered by Lukaku’s father Roger, who is also his agent.

He has stated that 17 year old Lukaku will stay at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadion until he is 18, by which time he will have completed his final school exams, a stance revealed by Anderlecht’s General Manager Herman Van Holsbeech.

A move to Chelsea must have been tempting; Lukaku’s father had reportedly been offered ‘help settling in the area’ and employment, and Lukaku himself the chance of playing alongside his idol Drogba in a title winning side, in addition to a considerable financial package. Lukaku is also known to be a Chelsea fan, having been pictured wearing the clubs strip in the Chelsea conference room.

Nonetheless, it now seems that any transfer will have to wait another 12 months, by which time 6ft 4in Lukaku will have spearheaded Anderlecht’s Champions League campaign and potentially added millions of pounds to an already hefty £10m price tag.