Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs. Wigan Athletic

After 37 games, it all comes down to this. Chelsea know that only a victory against Wigan Athletic will guarantee them the Premier League title on Sunday — although depending on how Manchester United fare against Stoke City a draw or even a defeat could still see the crown secured.

But, in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful, Carlo Ancelotti and his players know that only a comprehensive win will end the campaign in the style befitting of champions. Few expect the Blues to lose — Wigan, after all, having nothing to play for — but the intense pressure of closing out a title campaign has caused stranger collapses in the past.

And it is not as if Roberto Martinez's side don't have the credentials to upset Chelsea, having beaten their more illustrious opponents at the DW Stadium last September — Ancelotti's first defeat as the club's manager. On that day the Latics were helped by Petr Cech's dismissal, but Hugo Rodallega in particular proved himself a striker capable of causing major problems to John Terry and the Blues' defence.

Six months later, however, it would be a surprise if Wigan could pull off their own double to deny Chelsea a shot at theirs. In last Monday's 2-2 draw with Hull City the club's players showed some signs of lethargy after securing their top flight future - a symptom that, if it persists, the Blues are more than capable of taking advantage of.

What is more, the Latics have traditionally been poor travellers against top sides this season, losing 5-0 at Manchester United, 4-0 at Arsenal and — most memorably — 9-1 against Tottenham Hotspur. Added to that they head into Sunday's game with a less than full-strength defence to rely on.

With Chelsea having knocked seven past opponents three times this season, all in front of their home fans, Martinez's squad might be heading to west London more with thoughts of avoiding a last day embarrassment than causing a historic last day upset.

FORM GUIDE

The Blues have only conceded two goals in their last five games — both against Spurs in their disappointing defeat at White Hart Lane. With four other clean sheet victories notched up, Ancelotti's side enter the final day in nigh-on perfect spirits.

Wigan, on the other hand, have shipped goals left, right and centre in recent games, despite clinching an impressive victory against Arsenal that knocked the Gunners out of the title race. Defeats to both Fulham and West Ham on their recent travels suggest London isn't a happy hunting ground for them — with little prospect of that changing on Sunday.

Chelsea

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea 7-0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Aston Villa 0-3 Chelsea (Premier League)


Wigan

Wigan 2-2 Hull City (Premier League)
West Ham United 3-2 Wigan (Premier League)
Wigan 3-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
Wigan 0-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Fulham 2-1 Wigan (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti will be without both Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel (who had surgery on a knee injury this week) for the game, which means Michael Ballack will have to continue in his slight make-shift role as the side's holding midfielder.

Both Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho continue their long-term absence, but otherwise Ancelotti has a strong squad to choose from.

Didier Drogba has concerns over a persistent groin injury, but will doubtless look to play through the pain barrier in helping his team-mates to a first title since 2006.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Ballack, Lampard, Malouda; Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.

Wigan

Charles N'Zogbia returns to action after missing the last game against Hull, which will be a major boost for Roberto Martinez as he will be without some other key players.

Both goalkeeper Chris Kirkland (hand) and defender Titus Bramble (stress fracture) continue to miss out with injury problems, while two on-loan forwards, Marcelo Moreno (ankle injury) and Scott Sinclair (ineligible), are unavailable.

Midfielder Paul Scharner will be involved, however, in what will be his last game for the club.

Possible starting XI: Stojkovic; Figueroa, Gohouri, Caldwell, Melchiot; McCarthy, Watson, Diame; Moses, N'Zogbia; Rodallega.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea

Rather than rely on one man, Carlo Ancelotti will be delighted to go into the game with so many players capable of delivering. Contrary to the early stages of the season, no one player has been imperative to the Blues' success in recent weeks. But the pressure of the occasion might see the side revert to type, and as such Didier Drogba has got to be his side's key man.

The Ivorian has been his side's top goalscorer all season, with 26 goals in 31 league games to date, and has frequently been deferred to as the potential saviour when times have been tough. One the first day of the season against Hull the 32-year-old scored twice (the last deep into injury time) to grab an important momentum-building victory — it's not beyond the realms of possibility he will bookend a fine individual season with a similar impact performance this weekend.

Wigan

Preparing to face an onslaught of shots on goal at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United's hopes of a last-day upset rely predominantly on the golden gloves (or otherwise) of Wigan's reserve goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Which won't exactly have Sir Alex Ferguson jumping for joy.

The Serbian, currently on loan from Sporting Lisbon, enjoys a questionable reputation with English audiences after a few suspect performances for his current employers. With the 26-year-old hoping to put himself in the transfer window — not to mention his country's World Cup squad — for the summer, Sunday would be a fine time for the 6ft 5in shot-stopper to cut out the errors and put in a commanding display, and perhaps even keep his first clean sheet with the club.

The Last-Day Failure At Juventus That Haunts Carlo Ancelotti Ahead Of Premier League Decider

Perhaps owing to his reputation today as one of the world's best managers, many people tend to forget that Carlo Ancelotti had been regarded as something of a loser in football management until seven years ago, when Milan defeated Juventus on penalties at Old Trafford in a dull 2003 Champions League final.

No moment in his early coaching career shaped this initial perception more than Juve's last-day collapse, which saw Lazio pip them to the 2000 Serie A title.

Having been Serie A runners-up with Parma in 1997, earned successive second-place finishes with Juve in 2000 and 2001 and been eliminated in the semi-final of the Champions League in 1999 by Manchester United - despite leading 3-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Turin - Ancelotti was tagged by the Calcio community as a “nearly-man”.

Much in the same way as another former Chelsea boss, Claudio Ranieri, is still viewed today.

These disappointments eventually led to Carletto’s departure from Juve at the end of 2000-01, with former general manager Luciano Moggi of the opinion that Ancelotti lacked the winning mentality to take his team over the final hurdles.

Moggi brought back 1990s winning machine Marcello Lippi, who immediately reclaimed the Scudetto in his first season after returning and then defended it the following campaign.

While Ranieri has never displayed much bitterness despite all his near misses, you can sense that despite winning two Champions Leagues and a Scudetto post-2003, Ancelotti’s earlier failures still irritate him.

"Do I have to go over it again?" he complained at a reporter in Friday's press conference who asked about the climax of the race in 2000.

The biggest scar was left almost exactly 10 years ago, during one of the most infamous matches in Italian football history.

The venue was the Stadio Renato Curi as Juventus travelled to mid-table Perugia on the final day needing just a victory to see off Lazio in the championship race.

All three points seemed a formality as the modest, unspectacular Umbria outfit, who possessed few star players and a young Marco Materazzi, were already safe from relegation. And in Italy teams with nothing to play for traditionally put up no fight against title challengers or relegation battlers in the closing rounds.

But a huge cloud then emerged, quite literally. Juventus had controlled the first half, with Pippo Inzaghi and Zinedine Zidane (twice) being inches away from putting the Bianconeri ahead.

Before half-time, a beautiful blue sky suddenly turned into a monsoon-like downpour, allied with hailstones and thunder and lightning. The pitch soon became as waterlogged as a World War One trench.

It appeared inevitable that the game would be suspended when referee Pierluigi Collina came out during the break and attempted to bounce the ball, only to see it stop dead in the puddles of water.

Both sets of players waited in the changing rooms for 82 minutes before, incredibly, they were eventually called back out to play the second-half.

The conditions were truly horrific with the ball regularly holding up in the aqua-pools. The match became something of a lottery, and astonishingly Perugia took the lead thanks to a superb volley from Alessandro Calori on 50 minutes.

Juventus laid siege as they looked to salvage the Scudetto, but a string of missed chances (including an Inzaghi sitter), as well as a quite impossible playing field, saw Perugia hold on.

With Lazio beating Reggina 3-0 (and watching almost the whole of Juventus’ second-half on the Stadio Olimpico pitch) Sven Goran Eriksson’s men were crowned champions.

This had been an unlikely triumph for the Swede, whose side had trailed Juventus by five points with three games remaining and nine points several weeks earlier.

Juventus were furious, and protested that the game should never have resumed in such conditions and after such a long delay.

Collina has been detested by the club’s fans ever since. But that was and is no consolation for Ancelotti, who still has a notable sense of exasperation whenever the subject rears its head.

A decade on from sinking in the Perugia whirlpool, he will be determined not to drown again when Chelsea host Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Essien In Ghana's Plans

Michael Essien has been included in a provisional 30-man squad for Ghana ahead of the World Cup.

The Chelsea midfielder has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury during the African Cup of Nations in January.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has been keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old's rehabilitation and has named him in a squad for a training camp at the end of May.

Rajevac has also selected four players, including three goalkeepers, who play club football in Ghana.

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been called up despite previously playing for Germany at youth level, although his inclusion in the final World Cup party depends on a green light from Fifa.

Boateng's brother Jerome was named in a provisional Germany squad earlier this week and the two could play against each other at the World Cup.

Ghana open their Group D campaign against Serbia on 13 June before taking on Australia six days later and then Germany on 23rd June.

Chelsea Set For £40m Raid On AC Milan Striker

AC Milan striker Pato could be on his way to Chelsea after Roman Abramovich gave the go-ahead to a £40m bid.

Carlo Ancelotti has identified the Brazilian as his number one summer target and informal talks between the clubs are believed to have already begun.

The Blues tried to land Pato last summer but had to let their interest cool over doubts about their transfer ban and because Milan did not want to ship out another key player after selling Kaka to Real Madrid.

Yet the Italians are now short of cash and are thought to be receptive to a deal.

Chelsea Starlet Set For FC Twente Loan Spell

Chelsea will send brilliant babe Jeffrey Bruma to Twente Enschede next season to play Champions League football - and come back as a first-teamer.

The 18-year-old Dutch centre half led the club’s kids to FA Youth Cup glory and has also made a couple of first-team appearances for the Stamford Bridge club this season.

But supremo Frank Arnesen thinks Bruma would benefit from a spell of regular action back in his homeland and a deal is teed up - whether Steve McClaren stays as coach or not.

Bruma, who joined Chelsea as a kid, is tipped to be John Terry’s eventual successor but the teenager needs to get games to continue his progress. Twente won the title and will be in the elite competition next season.

Malouda: 'Title Failure Would Be Worst Blow Of My Career'

Florent Malouda has admitted it would be “the worst blow” of his career if Chelsea failed to win the Premier League title.

The French winger has been one of the stars of the Blues’ season which sees them just one win from claiming their first league title since 2006.

Chelsea must keep their nerve to beat Wigan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and Malouda said: “Nobody here even thinks about anything other than a victory. To fail would be a disaster.

“For me, it would be the worst blow in my career, but with our fans at Stamford Bridge behind us we believe that’s impossible.

“If you analyse the numbers and statistics in our season, then Chelsea deserve to be champions and yet we know we must still win on Sunday to confirm our achievement.

“We will forget the nerves and we know we will have to play with our heads and be patient. I am totally convinced we will be champions.”

It has been one of the most exciting title races in the history of the Premier League with the three-way race between Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal developing into a two-horse race in the past three weeks.

Now, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will try to ensure there are no slip-ups against Stoke, meaning Chelsea must win against Wigan to avoid the unthinkable.

But having lost at the DW Stadium already this season, Malouda has been quick to emphasise Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot afford to take the Latics lightly.

Malouda said: “We know Wigan will not give up against us, but our chance of winning the title should be big enough to overcome any obstacle placed in front of us.

“The key to beating Wigan will be to score the first goal, we must not think about Manchester United and for Chelsea the only interest is our match.”

This season Malouda, 29, has been in easily his best form since arriving from Lyon in a £12million deal in 2007.

And the Frenchman, who has just been voted Blues’ player of the year by his team-mates, hopes a Chelsea title win will only be the first part of a double celebration.

Malouda added: “I came to the Premier League to win titles and personally I am very motivated for Sunday. The day when you can win a title is special for any player, it hardly happens every day.

“The squad is in good shape and we have so much belief and confidence. I’m optimistic but we still haven’t won the title yet.

“United is a tough rival, a great team, but I think we have been consistent – we’ve won twice against them.

“We’re ahead of them by such a small margin and that shows how competitive it has been. We have great respect for them.

“Personally, I am determined to win two trophies this season and if we can achieve that then I will enjoy a really special celebration.”

Lampard Desires Double Glory

Frank Lampard claims he will rate this season as his finest in Chelsea colours if they win the double.

The England international became the first midfielder to breach the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League last weekend when he grabbed the second goal in the 2-0 win at Liverpool to put the Blues within touching distance of the title.

Carlo Ancelotti's side can clinch top spot when Wigan visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while an FA Cup final against Portsmouth follows the week after with Chelsea red-hot favourites to win the trophy for the second successive year.

And Lampard insists he is ready to show his worth once again as he bids for glory on two fronts.

"Because of the goals I have scored in this run-in, this season is up there with my best already," the 31-year-old, who has scored nine goals in his last seven games, said in The Sun.

"Last season was my best yet all-round because of the way I played, but then you think how important it is to perform at the business end of the season.

"You always remember the players that turn up for the big games and help win leagues - guys like Wayne Rooney or Thierry Henry.

"So, if we do go on to win it this season, then I would have to say that for the trophies and the goals that this is my best campaign."

Chelsea have endured several distractions this term with John Terry and Ashley Cole subjects of off-field allegations about their personal lives, while the club were forced to fight off a transfer embargo following the signing of Gael Kakuta.

Lampard, however, believes everything which might have thrown Chelsea off course in their pursuit of trophies, has in fact, made them stronger.

"People should realise that it has been a mad season," the former West Ham player added.

"Stuff has happened on and off the pitch to make things more difficult but there has been a positive reaction from all of us.

"True, there have been times when we have not been at our best but who else has scored seven goals three times in the league?

"We have overcome a lot but we are a strong group at Chelsea and if we weren't we would not have pushed ourselves to the brink of winning a Double."

Manchester United Could Launch Audacious Bid For Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka

Manchester United are ready to raid their title rivals for Nicolas Anelka should contract talks with Chelsea break down, according to The Sun.

The tabloid claims that the France international striker, who has one year remaining on his current Blues deal, is a target for United.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a replacement for Bulgarian mis-firing forward Dimitar Berbatov, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since his £30.75 million move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Ferguson was thought to be keen to bring the well-travelled Anelka to Old Trafford in 2008, when the Frenchman left Bolton Wanderers for Chelsea in an £18m move.

Anelka has already played for five Premier League teams but could join United for a reported fee of around £8m.

Ferguson is thought to want a strike partner for Wayne Rooney next season and the experienced Anelka, who was the Premier League’s top scorer last season, could fit the bill.

Premier League Is Still The Best, Says Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has insisted the Premier League is stronger than ever as Chelsea stand on the brink of winning the title for the first time since 2006.

The Chelsea vice-captain rejects suggestions the league is not as strong as in previous years as they prepare to face Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

A win for Chelsea, who head the table over Manchester United by a single point, will guarantee them the title in Carlo Ancelotti's first season as coach.

The Italian's team have been defeated six times in league games this campaign, but they are in pole position at the most crucial point of the season.

"This is the position we wanted to be in," said Lampard. "Some people have said the league has gone downhill but I don't think it has.

"The league has improved because the teams in the middle of the table and down the bottom have been fighting even harder and are more organised.

"It has proved more difficult for the bigger teams to win regularly week in, week out, and if we can win one more game it will be a big achievement to win it this year due to circumstances.

"To win the league you can never have it smooth and there are not many seasons when it is plain sailing all the way through.

"You are fighting against big teams in Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and others and there are times you have to stay strong. In the moments when we were down this season we have stayed strong."

Lampard will earn his third champion's medal should Chelsea achieve their aim.

Chelsea, under coach Jose Mourinho, won the title in 2005 and 2006, and another triumph would also end a run of three successive title successes by United.

Watching Sir Alex Ferguson's side take the trophy three times in a row only increased Lampard's desire to win the trophy again.

"Credit to them, they deserved to win it in recent seasons," said Lampard. "We are there to battle with them and we have been in touching distance.

"I was very proud of winning the league twice, particularly the first time because of all the years Chelsea had gone without it.

"It was a huge thing to be part of that group but if we can go and win the Double it will be right up there with that because not many clubs have done it in history."

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba claims he will gladly forego winning the Golden Boot this season if Chelsea can land the League title and then secure 'The Double' by beating Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on May 15.

Drogba is vying for the scoring award with Wayne Rooney on 26 goals and he has already collected the club's player of the year award.

"It has been the best season in my career so far," said Drogba. "When you have a season like this, individual trophies like player of the year are good, but I want more and I want to share with my friends.

"I really want to win the Premier League trophy and the FA Cup again, this is very important.

"I really don't mind if I don't win that (the Golden Boot) and I win the Double. That is really what matters.

"It has been a great season and I am really happy. Everybody knows my history with the fans here and there have been some difficult moments, but really and honestly we are always talking the same language and that is Chelsea."

Drogba also hailed the influence of Ancelotti.

"It is his first year here and it could be the best season in Chelsea's history so I hope that there will be more seasons like this one," added Drogba.

"He put a lot of confidence in this team and a desire to play well, start from the back, short passes - completely different to what we were doing before.

"There are many ways to win football matches and I think this way is one of the best."

Didier Drogba: Our Solidarity During John Terry Scandal Was The Turning Point In The Season

Didier Drogba has admitted that the manner in which the Chelsea squad overcame the ‘storm’ of John Terry’s off-the-field problems proved the turning point in their season.

The Chelsea skipper was the subject of intense media coverage after allegations of an affair with the former partner of Wayne Bridge, once a teammate at Stamford Bridge, broke, resulting in Fabio Capello’s decision to strip him of the England captaincy.

Drogba admits that the Blues performances suffered as a result of the intensity of the situation, but believes that the camaraderie of the squad pulled them through.

“We showed solidarity between us just as we've always done each time the club is in the middle of a storm,” Drogba told France Football magazine.

"I think it was a key moment of our season because we were losing points on the field and Terry was not performing as well as usual."

The club’s top goalscorer insisted that whilst their Champions League elimination at the hands of Inter was a disappointment, the prospect of securing a Premier League and FA Cup double means that the season can still be a success for Chelsea; a campaign which has produced his best performances since he arrived at Stamford Bridge.

"I think it's been by far my best season here... ending the season ahead of Rooney in the scoring charts would be the icing on the cake," Drogba added.

"It still can be a good season because only six teams have completed this double in England until now. If we achieve that, we'll make history.”

Ancelotti: Same Again

Carlo Ancelotti has paid tribute to his side's focus ahead of our final Barclays Premier League game of the season this weekend, and will keep his side unchanged.

The stakes could not be higher as we prepare to entertain Wigan at Stamford Bridge knowing three points will guarantee the title, and the Italian will keep faith with the side that started at Anfield last Sunday.

If the pressure is on, it certainly has not shown at Cobham this week, where it has been very much business as usual, as it was prior to last weekend's win over Liverpool.

'I saw my players focused during the week and they knew very well how important the game was,' Ancelotti said. 'This weekend is the same, to be champions we have to play as we played against Liverpool.

'We have to maintain the same confidence in our play, the same determination because nothing is decided. We have to pay a lot of attention because there are not other games, if you miss this game you do not have the possibility of recovery.

'We are in a very good situation, we wanted to arrive at the end of the season with more points but we can decide our destiny in our home at Stamford Bridge so this is a good thing.

'The team is fit, in good condition and has fantastic motivation for this game. We have to be ready and have to play 90 minutes. We come to play this game and try the best, they have a very good team, they beat us in the last game we played and we have to pay attention.'

With the mention of team fitness came the news that Ricardo Carvalho is expected to rejoin the squad in training next week, though the FA Cup Final may come too soon for him. One man who will definitely miss out is John Mikel Obi who had meniscus surgery this week, but Ancelotti does expect the Nigerian to be ready for the World Cup.

Before then, Ancelotti hopes to have the futures of a number of senior figures sorted, notably Joe Cole who he still expects to remain a Chelsea player.

'I think that Joe Cole will stay here, and I rarely make a mistake,' he began. 'In January I said nobody will come, and nobody came, and I think Joe will stay. We have 10 days to wait because the club will speak with Joe Cole and the other players that are at the end of their contracts after the Cup Final.'

Assessing the season as a whole at this stage is difficult for Ancelotti, though he stands on the precipice of becoming the first man ever to lead us to the Double. Typically modest, he believes it is the work of the players that means it would be fully deserved, and picked out one man in particular whose character typifies the squad.

'This season for me if I have to consider the work of my players I think they worked very well, every one,' he said. 'A lot of players didn't play for five or six months, and when they played they played very well. This means the group works very well during the season and maintains a good motivation. If you want one name, it is [Paulo] Ferreira.'

Ballack Set To Discuss Future

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has confirmed talks will soon take place over his future with the London club, but he has not ruled out moving to another Premier League outfit.

The Germany captain's contract expires at the end of next month and he has yet to find out whether the Blues are prepared to offer him an extension, but he told Germany's WDR radio that his future will soon be resolved.

"After the season, we are definitely going to hold talks with the (Chelsea) decision makers and then we will see where things go from there," he said.

"My primary aim is to stay in the Premier League."

The 33-year-old has been linked with a move back to the Bundesliga with Schalke emerging as a surprise candidate to sign him.

But he says he would "prefer not to comment" on such rumours which "are always around when no decision has been made" about the future of a player who is set to become a free agent in the summer.

Instead, he is concentrating on helping Germany to World Cup glory after a provisional squad of 27 was announced by the national team coach Joachim Low today.

"We, like many other nations, want to win the World Cup," he proclaimed.

"We have qualified with good performances and we will be self-confident.

"We may have had a few dips in form in recent months, but we will prepare ourselves well."

Drogba Is On The Spot For Blues

Frank Lampard will let Didier Drogba be Chelsea's penalty-taker against Wigan on Sunday, with the aim to wreck rival Wayne Rooney's Golden Boot dream.

Ivory Coast star Drogba said: "To finish above Rooney in the scorers' table would be the cherry on the cake.

"Three years ago, I finished above him and we didn't win the league. There was something missing.

"But if there is a penalty to take, I have already agreed with Lampard that I will take it."

Both Drogba and Manchester United star Rooney are locked on 26 goals heading into the final Premiership weekend.

Drogba has been in sensational scoring form for Carlo Ancelotti's men, as they close in on the title.

His killer strike at Old Trafford last month was the turning point of the campaign.

He added: "I think it's my best season here by far. I have been consistent, despite going to the Africa Cup of Nations for a month and a half in the heat of Angola.

"It was hard going from 35C to minus four! You come home and two days later you have to face Hull. It's not easy. Despite this, I've had no bad patch.

"Can Chelsea lose the title? Nothing is done yet. But it would be crazy to let it go now.

"Only six teams have ever done the Double in England. By doing it, we would enter the history of English football."

Joe Cole Will Seek Move Abroad If He Fails To Agree New Chelsea Deal

Chelsea's Joe Cole will seek a move away from the Premier League if he cannot agree a new deal with the club - with Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter both keen on the England midfielder, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The 28-year-old could head of a list of top stars available for free this summer, with his contract set to expire and no apparent progress on an extension.

A host of Chelsea's domestic rivals have been linked with Cole as negotiations have stalled, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and his former club West Ham United.

Yet sources close to the player indicate that he would snub all his English suitors and pursue a move abroad if he can't strike a deal to stay at Stamford Bridge.

"A number of foreign clubs have expressed their interest," said the source. "Everyone knows his style would suit the continental game."

Cole has long been linked with a move to the continent, with Claudio Ranieri attempting to bring him to Valencia after returning to the Mestalla from Stamford Bridge in 2004.

Now Serie A rivals Milan and Inter are understood to be monitoring the situation closely. The Rossoneri will again have to strengthen on a budget this summer, so the midfielder's out-of-contract status makes him an attractive prospect. Despite English players having a reputation for often struggling to adapt to foreign climes, the San Siro club were highly impressed by the contribution of David Beckham in his two loan spells in Europe's fashion capital.

Inter have greater means at their disposal and are equally keen on Cole. Jose Mourinho has lost patience with both Mancini and Ricardo Quaresma, and will attempt to offload the pair in the summer. This will in turn create a vacancy for a creative wide player, and the 53-cap England man's profile fits the bill. It was Inter coach Mourinho who made Cole into a first-team regular in his time at Stamford Bridge, and after a difficult opening to their working relationship, a bond of mutual respect was formed.

If Cole does manage to make Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, his stock would rise further and it would give him an even greater choice of prospective destinations.

Few developments are expected until the end of Chelsea's domestic season on May 15, as the club have stated on a number of occasions recently that they will not be entering into contract discussions before that point.

Didier Drogba Keen To See Bayern Munich Star Franck Ribery Join Him At Chelsea

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed that he would welcome Franck Ribery to Stamford Bridge, should the Blues attempt to sign the Frenchman from Bayern Munich in the summer.

Reports yesterday indicated that perhaps the Blues' interest in Ribery may have cooled due to his personal issues, but Drogba insists that the winger would be a positive signing for the west Londoners should Carlo Ancelotti decide to move for the player.

"I know Franck from my time at Guingamp. If he comes to Chelsea, I will be happy. He is hungry. I like hungry players," Drogba told reporters.

Deco Set For Fluminense Move

Chelsea star Deco could be set for a move to Brazilian outfit Fluminense, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The 32-year-old midfielder is said to be eager for a switch to Brazil, where he was born, in order to be closer to his sons in Rio de Janeiro. Fluminense are believed to have made the first move to give him his wish, with Flamengo — Deco's first club — and Corinthians also interested.

Deco still has a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti ready to shake up his ageing squad, and with the player himself publicly stating he was ready to leave, the former Barcelona man will be allowed to leave for a cut-price fee.

According to the report, a meeting between Deco and Chelsea officials is planned for after the Blues' final Premier League fixture of the season with Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

Deco is due to meet up with Portugal's World Cup squad soon after the following week's FA Cup final against Portsmouth, and both he and Fluminense believed to be keen to iron out any potential deal as soon as possible.

Twice a Champions League winner - with FC Porto and Barcelona - Deco has made 55 appearances for Chelsea, scoring six goals.

Joe Cole Seeking A Move To Tottenham In The Summer

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is keen to reunite with Harry Redknapp and join Champions League bound Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

Cole’s current deal with the Blues expires after the season and with contract negotiations at a standstill the England international would like to join his former manager at Spurs next season.

Tottenham clinched fourth place with a 1-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday, but Cole was already interested in a move to White Hart Lane, according to The Sun.

Manchester City and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 28-year-old but Cole would join Spurs if they can match the £100,000-a-week salary demands the Englishman has made.

Redknapp managed Cole at West Ham United but if Spurs are steadfast in their refusal to offer the midfielder more than £60,000-a-week they could miss out of the chance to sign him.

Spurs are reportedly interested in City winger Craig Bellamy and Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar in an attempt to bolster their squad for Champions League football next season.

Consistency Is The Key

Ray Wilkins admitted he wouldn't have been able to whittle his vote for Player of the Year down to one footballer on Friday night.

The assistant first team coach has been delighted by the team's performances this season and believes the coherence in the side made it nearly impossible to pick one single player for the award.

'The consistency level the players have shown is the all-important aspect. They have all contributed,' explained Wilkins.

'Everybody has done such a great job this year it was very difficult to choose, whether it's a goalkeeper, defender, midfield player or forward player. Look at Frank Lampard, 26 goals from a midfield player in one season is phenomenal.

'We've had such a consistent season and if anybody deserves to win the double, it's these boys.'

Wilkins went on to explain why he'd have found it hard to pick one player: 'I would have two, either Florent or Branislav Ivanovic.

'Saying that had Ashley not been injured he would have had my vote, in my opinion he was one of the best footballers in the world at the time of his injury.

'But Branislav has had a wonderful season; he's been playing out of position, we have asked him to fill in at right-back and he has done a wonderful job.

'Paulo [Ferreira] is a fantastic footballer but they have different qualities. At times we've needed the subtlety of Paulo and then at other times we've needed the force of Ivanovic, it's worked really well.'

Wilkins also had trouble deciding on his Goal of the Season, which was eventually won by Ashley Cole for his strike against Sunderland.

'It was lovely to see a Conor Clifford goal in there,' said Wilkins, 'he has scored some very good goals, including a fantastically important one here in the FA Youth Cup Final, but for me it would have been too hard to choose.'

Another man who once won the prestigious Player of the Year Award was also at Friday night's event in a different capacity.

Carlo Cudicini attended the dinner to help present Peter Bonetti with a special recognition award and it brought memories flooding back for the Italian.

'Since day one of the first season I was here it was something nice to be part of,' reports Cudicini, speaking of the awards dinner.

'In Italy it doesn't exist so it was something new to me and then, after three years, I was lucky enough to win it which is one of my best memories at Chelsea.

'Being awarded Player of the Year by the fans was fantastic. It is something very special, and it is a night that holds very good memories, it's always nice to be part of.'

Drogba Wins The Big Vote

Didier Drogba has been named Chelsea Player of the Year for the first time.

The striker has been rewarded for another outstanding season that has seen him net 33 goals so far by polling the most votes from the fans. He is the 43rd recipient and was presented with the trophy by Carlo Ancelotti.

'Wow!' began his acceptance speech, delivered after he had invited all his team mates to join him on stage.

'Thank you to all the fans from my heart.

'When I came here it wasn't easy for me, I made a lot of mistakes and they always tried to help me. My only desire was to love this club and win a lot of trophies. This is the happiest I have ever been and I want this moment to continue for years and years.'

Florent Malouda has been declared Samsung Chelsea Players' Player of the Year, decided by a vote among his fellow professionals and the staff who work closely with the first team.

In the first award announced at the annual Player of the Year dinner, held in the Great Hall in the West Stand at Stamford Bridge, Ashley Cole's attacking prowess from full-back gave him the Chelsea TV Award for Goal of the Season, also voted for by the supporters.

His goal at home to Sunderland in January when he took John Terry's excellent floated pass and in three touches controlled it, put his marker on his backside and then chipped over the keeper at the Shed End was the pick of the season's best.

'I had been practicing hard in training with Lamps and Didier and normally they went over the bar,' Cole said about the goal. 'They teach me shooting techniques and at the time it was just instinct to hit the ball with the outside of my foot.

'In training the day before I did the same to a player when JT gave me the ball, I'm not going to name him, and funnily enough I said I was going to score in this game. It was a great ball from JT, we have a good understanding and we try to do that a lot, and the guy dived in when probably he shouldn't have done. As I took the touch I did a 'Cruyff' and luckily the keeper went down and I chipped it over him.'

Cole was presented with a trophy by Kerry Dixon; Malouda's was handed over by Dennis Wise.

Malouda said: 'It has been one of my best seasons and I would like to thank my team mates, they are the best jury, but I prefer collective awards so I ask them to please help me win that Double.'

The Adidas Young Player of the Year quite rightly went to the entire Under 18 squad who brought the FA Youth Cup back to Stamford Bridge after a 49-year wait, thanks to their win over Aston Villa two days ago. Climbing on to the stage was a nice moment for midfielder Kaby who missed Tuesday's Youth Cup trophy presentation having been taken to hospital.

Peter Bonetti was handed a special recognition award for his 729 appearances and important place in the club's history. He was the Chelsea Player of the Year in the award's inaugural year in 1967. His 2010 accolade was presented by three of his successors in goal for the Blues, Carlo Cudicini, Petr Cech and Eddie Niedzwiecki.

There was a new award for Chelsea Contribution which went to press accreditation officer Thresa Conneely who has given 33-years of service.

Kalou Taking Aim At Title

Chelsea's in-form winger Salomon Kalou is in the mood to fire the Blues to their first league title since 2006 after grabbing a first hat-trick for the club in his last home outing.

Kalou smashed a treble as Chelsea demolished Stoke 7-0 and the Ivory Coast international admits he is in the best form of his career in England as the Blues stand on the brink of a Barclays Premier League and FA Cup Double.

Kalou, 24, has started three out of the last four games and is determined to win his first Barclays title by helping Chelsea to beat Wigan in their final home match of the season.

Three points against the Latics would guarantee Carlo Ancelotti's side the Barclays crown in the Italian's first season in England and Kalou is in the kind of form to help.

"I think it is my best form and I think it is because I keep playing," said the Ivorian.

"Before I used to play one game and then not play and then play the next game. Now I have started the last couple of games and I am looking forward to finishing the season strongly.

"I have scored a lot of hat-tricks before with Feyenoord. It was something that I was looking forward to doing at Chelsea and they never came.

"To do it at this part of the season is very important for me and for the team because that win against Stoke gave a boost for the team to go for the title. I hope Sunday will be the same scenario and we will win at home in front of the fans.

"After 10 months of hard work, if we don't capitalise on Sunday all that work will be in vain. Just one game can spoil everything and we have to play like we want to be champions.

"In the whole season you can't play at the same level and be on top every time. The difference in winning the title is when you are not on top form you have to come back to the basics where you fight for every game, and that is what we do well.

"I get better every season and I want to get better every season. I can learn a lot.

"The second season I played better than the first. The third season I scored important goals for the club and this season I think I am playing stronger than I ever did before.

"I think that hard work is paying off and every year I can develop myself as a player and one day become that player people expect me to be at Chelsea."

Kalou insists the Chelsea squad is doing nothing different in terms of their preparation for Sunday's crucial encounter and while other teams may show some fatigue, the Blues are motivated by the prize on offer.

"We are just training like we train before every game and even if it is the most important game of the season, if we play like we know how to play then it should be a nice game to watch," added Kalou.

"We should go there and enjoy the moment because you don't get these opportunities always. Playing for the title in front of your own supporters, we have to enjoy that and make them enjoy it as well and hopefully in the end we can all celebrate together.

"I think everyone feels the season has been a long season but we don't show it because we have a big prize at the end to play for. When you have such a good prize at the end the adrenalin makes you not think about being tired."

If Chelsea clinches the title on Sunday, they can become only the seventh team in the history of the English game to achieve the double by beating Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on May 15 and Kalou is determined to finally start such a massive game.

In 2007, he came on during extra-time in the FA Cup Final and remained on the bench in last year's final success over Everton.

"It's step by step and I have never even started any type of final for Chelsea," said Kalou.

"This could be my first one and it would be a special game for me which I am looking forward to."