Chelsea Set To Make £25m Bid For Bayern Munich Star Bastian Schweinsteiger

Chelsea have arranged a £25 million offer for Bayern Munich and Germany international midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine season for Bayern, helping lead the club to a German league and cup Double.

The Bundesliga club’s bid for a historic Treble was halted in the Champions League final, where they were defeated 2-0 by Inter Milan.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is looking to add some talented young stars to his squad and Schweinsteiger could replace countryman Michael Ballack, who is set to leave Stamford Bridge with his contract running out this month, according to The Daily Star.

The Blues have begun talks with Schweinsteiger’s representatives and are ready to offer a £4m-a-year deal to the midfielder, but the Germany vice-captain is only concerned with his duties in South Africa this summer.

“Right now I’m focusing solely on the World Cup,” Schweinsteiger said.

“All the rest doesn’t interest me.”

Schweinsteiger, who can play as a winger or a central midfielder, is under contract at Bayern until 2012.

Chelsea Target Alexandre Pato Unsure Whether He Will Stay At AC Milan This Summer

Chelsea target Alexandre Pato has cast fresh doubt on his AC Milan future after he admitted he could talk to other clubs after July 20.

Pato, 20, has been a long-term, £38 million target since ex-Rossoneri head coach Carlo Ancelotti took over at Stamford Bridge. 'The Duck' exclusively revealed to Goal.com UK in February that he is a big fan of the Premier League and could see himself playing in the division.

Speaking to reporters at a charity event in South Africa, Pato stated he is prepared to speak to interested sides after Milan return to pre-season training next month.

"Now it is early to say if I stay at Milan," Pato revealed.

"These things I want to talk only after July 20. For my team I'm not even following the market. I came to South Africa for this charity project of Nike and cheer for Brazil playing my vuvuzela."

Both the player and his club endured a disappointing campaign last term. Milan finished 12 points behind champions Inter, while a succession of injuries saw Pato miss out on Brazil's World Cup squad.

Cole, Ballack And Belletti Depart Blues

Chelsea have confirmed midfield duo Joe Cole and Michael Ballack and defender Juliano Belletti will leave the club this summer.

The Barclays Premier League champions confirmed the departures of Cole and Ballack on Wednesday morning after the parties failed to reach agreement on new contracts and on Wednesday afternoon it was announced Belletti would join them.

Cole, who is part of England's World Cup squad in South Africa, has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham.

As negotiations over a new contract at Stamford Bridge dragged on, it became increasingly likely Cole's seven-year stay would come to an end. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had repeatedly stressed his desire to hang on to the midfielder but behind the scenes the parties could not reach an agreement.

Chelsea's stance is also likely to have been influenced by Cole's failure to hold down a regular starting spot this season. The Londoner had been a key player in the rise of the club under owner Roman Abramovich but a serious knee injury suffered in January 2009 put him out for eight months and on his return he struggled to rediscover his best form.

Cole arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £6.6million deal from West Ham in the summer of 2003 and helped the Blues win their first Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006.

Ballack leaves Chelsea after four years with the club unwilling to offer the German the two-year contract he was seeking.

The 33-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge following the end of his contract at Bayern Munich with a reputation as one of Europe's best players and on the back of a brilliant World Cup. But he has largely failed to live up to that billing, with injuries keeping him out of the team for lengthy spells.

Ballack helped Chelsea to their first Premier League title in four years this season while he also won the FA Cup three times.

Belletti, 33, was signed by Mourinho in August 2007 and leaves after completing his three-year contract.

Michael Ballack Shocked By Chelsea Exit - Agent

Michael Ballack was "completely surprised" by Chelsea's decision to let him leave the club on a free transfer, according to his agent.

Ballack, 33, will leave Stamford Bridge after four years in west London when his contract runs down at the end of the month. The injured Germany captain has since been linked with a move to Real Madrid and the Middle East.

Speaking to German broadcaster RTL, agent Michael Becker claimed there had been no contact with the Blues in recent months.

"He was completely surprised," Becker revealed.

"He has not spoken to Chelsea for three months."

Germany coach Joachim Low had claimed previously that Ballack will have plenty of teams to choose from.

"I am certain that Ballack will play two or three more years at the top level so he will certainly not be thinking of ending his career," he said to the press.

"He has lots of opportunities, and he told me this in Sicily. He even has some concrete offers from different clubs in different leagues.

"I think when you see what condition he was in recent months for Chelsea then it is clear he will play at the highest level for two to three more years."

Jose Mourinho Plots Shock Swoop For Out-Of-Contract Chelsea Midfielder Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack, set to be released by Chelsea according to some reports, has emerged as a surprise target for new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, a report from The Daily Mail claims.

The 33-year-old German international, ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury, has apparently received offers from the Middle East.

German newspaper Bild add that Werder Bremen and Schalke are preparing offers for the midfielder, who has claimed that he wants "to play at the highest level for the next two years".

He is keen to continue his playing career in as competitive a league as possible though, having stated that it his aim to continue playing at the highest level.

The report claims that Mourinho sees Ballack as a good foil for Steven Gerrard in the Real midfield, although no formal contact has yet been made.

Joe Cole Wants To Start Against United States

Joe Cole believes his experience could win him a place in the England starting line-up to face the United States in their World Cup opener on Saturday.

The midfielder, 28, played his first match for England in 20 months against Japan in a friendly in May, having recovered from a serious knee injury.

"Managers like experience, especially at the start of tournaments," he said.

"It would mean the world to me to play against America and play in a third World Cup."

He added: "It's a great feeling. I remember going to Japan in 2002 as a youngster and it was all new but I've still got that energy and I still love it and I love coming away to these tournaments.

"I'm back to my best and want to show it at this World Cup."

However, Cole was keen to state that under Capello's reign, neither he or the rest of the players were assured of a place in the team.

"The great thing about the squad now, which is different to when I have been in England squads before, is that you don't know who the manager is going to pick in any position," he added.

"It keeps everyone on their toes.

Cole had remained a doubt to make the final 23-man squad until he produced a good performance against the Japanese on his return to international football - his 54th cap.

After recovering from his injury, midfielder Cole found it difficult to cement a regular place in Chelsea's championship-winning side this season, although he was instrumental in the Blues' charge towards the end of the season.

However, it was announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving the club on a free transfer in July.

When asked whether he ever thought the knee injury would damage his England future, Cole added: "It crossed my mind I wouldn't make this tournament but I never thought my career was over."

Cole also paid tribute to England coach Fabio Capello, whose style of management has impressed him.

"He's right up there with the best I've worked with," he said. "You need discipline at this level. Football has evolved and there is a lot of player power. He keeps the players on their toes."

John Terry Vows He Won't Be Distracted By Losing England Captaincy

John Terry has promised his manager, Fabio Capello, that he will not be distracted by losing the captaincy and will give everything to assist Steven Gerrard in England’s quest to win the World Cup.

The armband has moved around this season, even being worn by Wayne Rooney against Brazil in Doha. Gerrard inherited it after the injury to Rio Ferdinand, who had himself become England captain following Terry’s off-field travails.

Talking for the first time about the moment Capello stripped him of the captaincy, Terry said: “When I met the manager I stressed to him that I accepted his decision but one thing he gets from me is completely the same character and I am not going to allow my head to go down and beat myself up about it.

"I am here to win the World Cup like every other player and the manager. I will do everything possible for the team, whether it is an opinion away from football, I will say what needs to be said.

“At every level I play at, at training every day, I demand the same as the manager, that everybody gives 100 per cent. Of course different players have different qualities and you can have bad days as well, but the minimum is to go out there and give it everything.’’

Terry rejected the suggestion that the controversy over the loss of the armband, and ensuing vilification from away fans, had been a challenge to his mettle.

“It has not been a test at all. I got questioned earlier in the season about my form but at Chelsea towards the end of the season we had a lot of big games and I performed at my best level. I am really pleased with that.

“Nothing will ever change at Chelsea or England, whatever happens. I will still give my opinion in the dressing room and on the field and make my presence felt, whether I was wearing the armband or not.

"It was a big loss losing Rio in the week. Stevie and Lamps [Frank Lampard, the new vice-captain] now take the role.’’

Terry added that the senior players, even injured ones such as Ferdinand and David Beckham, would ensure team camaraderie remained strong in the build-up to the United States game here on Saturday.

“It is important Rio stays on board. We have Becks here, who can give his thoughts and opinions. People like Rio around the camp is brilliant. It is important for the squad he is staying. It is vital we stay unified.’’

Ferdinand sat in the sunshine watching training on Tuesday, his left knee encased in a huge brace. His replacement, Ledley King, missed training, protecting his own knee condition, but was moving freely and will be ready for the Group C opener.

“He does not train every day but his fitness levels are brilliant,’’ said Terry, who partnered King during the 3-0 defeat of Platinum Stars on Monday.

“He is a joy to play alongside. One ball got played into the box and he does a Cruyff on his left foot, which as a right-footed player is difficult to do.’’ King used his left foot to drag the ball away and clear. “He has great feet.’’

The pair played together as teenagers in the east London side Senrab, although Terry was a midfielder then. Terry remembers those days so fondly he keeps a picture of the team, including a towering King, on his mobile phone.

“We used to get told off and sent around the running pitch in training and away we went and we would be talking. He was similar to me in that he gave everything.

"He was a lot bigger than everyone else and he just used to scare the life out of everyone by just looking at them.

“It is a long journey from school days playing football together to the 2010 World Cup. We have kept in touch ever since and followed each other’s careers. He is a real nice bloke away from football.’’

It is impossible to talk to any player out here in South Africa without the vexed issue of the Jabulani ball being raised. “It is really difficult to judge,’’ said Terry.

“It goes left, right, all over the place. You think you have it and then it hits you full on the nose or drops a yard or moves to the right or left.’’

The ball may deviate but Terry’s commitment to England remains unwavering, with or without the armband.

Two In, One Out For Portugal

Ricardo Carvalho and Deco both played for Portugal as they beat Mozambique 3-0 in their final pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday.

Paulo Ferreira was an unused sub and Deco was withdrawn on the hour as the Selecao laboured to victory in Johannesburg, despite having the better of the play.

They had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock, when seven minutes in Deco supplied a delicate pass for Danny to run through and finish.

Those same two players had linked up well in the first half to create a chance for Simao, who was denied by Mozambique goalkeeper Otshudia Lama.

The goalscorer turned provider fifteen minutes from time when he squared for Hugo Almeida, and Almeida grabbed a second close to the end when Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was only parried by Lama.

For Carvalho then, it is two full matches completed in a week, with a 45 minutes against Cape Verde to boot. Deco too earned much-needed minutes with his club season ending early, his hour today added to a full game against Cameroon and another 60 against Cape Verde.

Ferreira will probably now be questioning whether he will be a starter when Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against Ivory Coast on June 15. The full-back played only 45 minutes against Cameroon, and 68 against Cape Verde.

Summary Of A Season: Michael Ballack

The Germany captain's season ended as it had begun nine months earlier, with injury. Kevin-Prince Boateng's late challenge in the FA Cup Final did not prevent the Chelsea man from joining in the Double-winning celebrations on the Wembley pitch, but it did force him out of a World Cup he had been desperately looking forward to.

A pre-season toe injury limited Michael's preparations, but after flying home from the tour in Seattle, he was ready for the Community Shield at Wembley, converting a penalty from the bench as we wrapped up our first silverware of the season.

It was as a sub that he started the Premier League campaign against Hull, but he was recalled to start at Sunderland, and it was he who kick-started the comeback, poking home from close range to tee up a 3-1 win.

He added his second and third against Burnley and Spurs as we won our first six league games, but then had to sit out defeat at Wigan and victory in Cyprus with a calf problem. Indeed it wasn't until December 5 that Ballack featured in a Chelsea defeat, though three days earlier he had uncharacteristically missed a penalty as we were eliminated from the Carling Cup at Blackburn.

The midfielder's best game of the season was probably at home to Blackburn in October, where he pulled the strings from the right of midfield, laying on chance after chance for his team-mates.

With Didier Drogba so deadly from just about anywhere on the pitch, it was unusual for Ballack to get a look in at free-kicks, where he had proved deadly before - when he did, late on against Everton in December, he found visiting goalkeeper Tim Howard in fine form, and we had to settle for a 3-3 draw.

He called on Chelsea's senior players to deliver in the absence of the Africans at the Nations Cup, and they duly delivered, the 33-year-old chipping in with another goal against Sunderland himself, and supplying one of the passes of the season to play in Nicolas Anelka, a delicate touch between two defenders that left the Frenchman one-on-one.

Having completed his season's scoring against Cardiff in the FA Cup, Ballack saw red against City at the end of February. Already booked for dissent, he executed a needlessly reckless challenge on Carlos Tevez that belied his experience and sent us down to nine men after Juliano Belletti had already been dismissed.

Out of Europe after an impotent showing against Inter, we regained focus in the Premier League and FA Cup, yet in the big games Ballack was dropped to the bench as we retook the lead in the title race.

Injury to John Mikel Obi at Tottenham gave him a way back in, and he responded well, offering more in attack than the Nigerian as Stoke, Liverpool and Wigan were brushed aside to seal a first English league title for the well-medalled German.

It was then no surprise when he was given the nod to start the Cup Final, but his day at Wembley was to last just 43 minutes, having tried to limp on after Boateng's late challenge on 35.

Joining in with the after-match party, he must have known the news that was to come - that the summer will be spent recovering at Cobham, rather than in South Africa.

Chelsea Join Race To Sign Hearts Star Driver

Chelsea are one of five clubs to inquire about Hearts winger Andy Driver in recent weeks following discussions between Roman Abramovich and Vladimir Romanov over a potential £5million transfer.

The Chelsea owner and Hearts' majority shareholder have been in talks regarding an initial loan agreement for Driver, which would include the option of a subsequent £5m move. The player's contract runs until 2013 and he may be reluctant to move to England's double winners where competition for first-team football is intense, but the approach from one of the world's most illustrious clubs says much for his reputation south of the Border.

Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Holland's FC Twente have also been in contact with Hearts as they monitor the 22-year-old closely. Officials at Tynecastle have confirmed interest from two English Premier League clubs, two Championship clubs and a European-based club. To date, only Chelsea's valuation of Driver has matched that of Romanov's.

Burnley have submitted a £1.5m bid but have been informed that offer must double for any business to be done. Chelsea, the English double winners, are keen to increase their quota of home-grown players in line with UEFA regulations. Abramovich and Romanov both believe Driver could thrive in England and a proposed loan agreement with the option of a £5million deal thereafter appeals to Romanov.

The player's fitness is steadily improving following a persistent thigh complaint which restricted him to just 14 appearances last season. He is expected to begin pre-season training on 7 July, although club medics are considering sending him to Sweden for additional treatment.

Hearts were preparing to parade pre-contract signing Darren Barr at Tynecastle, with assistant manager Billy Brown promising that the club are working diligently to add to the captures of Barr and striker Kevin Kyle.

"We are trying but getting good players – and the right types of players in – isn't easy," he explained. "We know what our aims are, whether we can get them or not we don't know."

Brown believes Kyle harbours the potential to revive his Scotland career if he proves himself with Hearts.

"If he can get back to the form he showed at that time (at Kilmarnock] I think Craig (Levein] will be looking at him."

John Terry Happy With Fabio Capello's Experiments

England's John Terry said he was happy with Fabio Capello's late experiments in defence as the manager sought a solution to the absence of injured captain Rio Ferdinand.

"I don't think we have anything to worry about with that -- it's the way the manager does things," the former England captain told reporters.

"He chops and changes people week in and week out and on a daily basis as well, so we all get used to different people."

Terry, who has won 60 England caps, played alongside Ledley King in Monday's World Cup warm-up game against South African premier league team Platinum Stars.

King and Terry were replaced by the uncapped Michael Dawson, who flew out to replace Ferdinand, and Matthew Upson, in the second half of England's 3-0 win, when Robert Green went into goal in place of Joe Hart.

"I think we all know each other well enough now, and how we all play, for it to be no problem," Terry said about Capello's changes.

"It's not a time now for getting used to players, but for creating a unity and a feeling that we are all sticking together and that's the most important thing now."

Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup finals after injuring his knee in the squad's first training session in South Africa last Friday. Capello has appointed Steve Gerrard as captain in his place.

England open their World Cup campaign with a Group C match against the USA in Rustenburg.

The 39-year-old David James had been expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper but he did not make an appearance against Platinum Stars.

Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy in February after newspaper revelations about his private life, said he had no opinion to offer on who should be the first-choice goalkeeper.

"I don't want to get drawn into that. It's a decision for the manager and it is a big decision, but that is what he's paid for. I just think we have three great players here and they are all here for the right decisions after doing what they did in the league last season.

"But it is typical of the manager. You know you can never read him and know what he is thinking and I think that's what people like about him."

Harry Redknapp Wants Joe Cole At Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he is interested in taking Joe Cole to White Hart Lane.

Cole, who scored in England's 3-0 World Cup warm-up victory against Platinum Stars on Monday, is out of contract at Chelsea this summer and has been linked with a number of clubs, notably Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United.

"Yes, I am prepared to declare my interest in Joe Cole," the Spurs boss told the Daily Express.

"Why not? He is a great player, his contract is up and he is on a free transfer.

"When he returns I would love to talk to him about coming to Spurs."

Redknapp's statement contradicts his comments last week when he claimed he believed the 28-year-old would leave Stamford Bridge this summer but his destination would be somewhere other than Tottenham.

"It looks to me someone's going to make a great free transfer, if he doesn't stay at Chelsea,'' Redknapp had told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I genuinely don't know who that is. I don't think it's going to be Tottenham. I've got a feeling, I may be wrong, that he's already agreed a deal with someone, and it's not Tottenham.

"I'm not saying if he hadn't agreed a deal with someone and he was available and didn't stay at Chelsea that we wouldn't be interested.

"I'm a big fan of Joe's, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already done something.''

Michael Ballack Could Follow Fabio Cannavaro To The Middle East

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack could be the next superstar to swap Europe for the Middle East, according to The Guardian.

Ballack, 33, has emerged as a target for several teams in Dubai - including Al Wasl and Al Shabab - as his current contract with the Blues expires this summer. If he moved to the Gulf, he would follow in the footsteps of Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who signed for Al Ahli last week as they gear up for an assault on the Asian Champions League.

A source from the UAE Pro League said: "The clubs here know there are some top names from the Premier League who have reached the end of their time there and are looking for a final move. They are ambitious.

"Michael Ballack has been approached and he is now the No. 1 target for clubs. In Italy the chance of bringing [Gennaro] Gattuso here from Milan is being looked at and Cannavaro coming will help that.

"Inquiries have also been made about Guti at Real Madrid."

Ancelotti Sets Sights On Dutch Master Huntelaar

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly interested in making a summer move for AC Milan striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The former Real Madrid man has had a stuttering first season at the San Siro where injury and poor form have restricted the 26 year old’s first team opportunities.

With Leonardo’s exit from the Serie A side it seems that the Dutch international may face an even tougher task to push his way into the starting line up and the uncertainty at AC Milan may play into Ancelotti’s hands as he looks to bring in further attacking options.

The Premier League champions have been indebted to the striking services of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba but both strikers are over 30 and with Daniel Sturridge still very raw a move for an established goalscorer makes a great deal of sense.

Huntelaar has seen the last two seasons potter along as he had to convince successive managers of his worth whilst failing to get a real good run in the first team. That being said he has still managed 15 goals in 41 matches for Real Madrid and AC Milan and its worth remembering that at Ajax the well built forward was a veritable goal machine scoring 76 goals in 92 Eredivisie starts and has the physical presence that could well suit a move to the Premier League.

Andy Carroll Won’t Be Leaving Newcastle - Hughton

Chris Hughton has revealed he has “no intention” of allowing Andy Carroll to leave Newcastle United.

The Geordie striker has been linked with Premier League champions Chelsea, with reports in the capital suggesting that the 21-year-old is the subject of a potential £7m bid from the Stamford Bridge side.

But while the Blues can offer Carroll both Champions League football and the chance to enhance his international ambitions further with England under Carlo Ancelotti, Hughton firmly believes that the Gateshead-born starlet can realise his full potential at St James’ Park.

Carroll – who has been re-bailed in October after an assault charge – is understood to want to extend his stay at United, despite having three years left on his current deal.

However, that has not stopped his performances from last season catching the eye of some of Newcastle’s Premier League counterparts, with Stoke and Birmingham last week also linked with Carroll.

Hughton told the Chronicle today: “I can say 100% that I have not heard anything from Chelsea, to me that is just speculation.

“We’ve got no intention of seeing Andy Carroll leave Newcastle United.

“The reasons for that are he has the right profile, he’s a young player and he’s got a big future here with us.”

Hughton is back behind his desk after his summer holiday and, with less than a month to go until pre-season training, is on course at least to have the basis of the squad that won the Championship with him on July 5.

Toon fans are anxious to see new additions to what many of them believe is a squad that lacks depth for the top-flight challenge ahead next season.

And Hughton today offered them reassurance that new signings would be added to bolster the current roster.

He said: “It’s the time of year when work behind the scenes is being done each day.

“By the time next season begins I am confident there will be new players at the club.”

Talk in Glasgow is that Rangers star Kris Boyd is set to be Newcastle’s first summer signing, with the player actively seeking a new club.

Boyd is an boyhood fan of the Magpies, and the fact he is available on a Bosman means he fits the bill for United.

Hughton says: “Kris Boyd is a good player, but I can categorically say that there have been no talks at this stage.

“There has been no correspondence and no communication.

“You never want to say 100% no, but it’s a non-starter at this moment.”

Joe Cole Nets In England Warm-Up

Joe Cole played the full 90 minutes, while his three Chelsea team-mates played one half of England's 3-0 win over South African club side Platinum Stars on Monday afternoon.

The game, an unofficial friendly, which will not count towards players' cap counts or goals records, was used as a final warm-up game before the World Cup kicks off on Friday, with England's involvement beginning on Saturday when they meet USA.

Cole netted England's second goal, which came after John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole had been substituted, the Chelsea number 10 the only man to play on after half-time with manager Fabio Capello making 10 changes. Terry, Lampard and Ashley Cole were all withdrawn having made low key appearances.

Spurs forward Jermain Defoe converted captain Steven Gerrard's pull-back three minutes in to open the scoring, after former Chelsea man Shaun Wright-Phillips had put the Liverpool man through, before ex-Blue Glen Johnson gave away a penalty, missed by the Platinum forward.

Joe's extended spell on the pitch paid off midway through the second half, as he converted England's second following a fast England breakaway, Wayne Rooney laying the goal on.

The Manchester United man added a third himself with a sharp volley after James Milner had crossed.

Summary Of A Season: Paulo Ferreira

Like Joe Cole, Paulo began the season working his way back from cruciate ligament damage, suffered during training in early March last year.

To return in a little over six months, as he did when he played 90 minutes against QPR in September, showed tremendous commitment to a professional career that had slowed in recent times.

The signing of Ferreira's compatriot, Jose Bosingwa, in the summer of 2008 and the emergence of Branislav Ivanovic and even Michael Essien as viable right-back alternatives meant the 31-year-old's first-team opportunities would be most likely on the left, where he has played regularly over the last couple of years for Portugal.

Then came the arrival of Yury Zhirkov, also capable of playing in the back four, and suddenly Ferreira's chances of a game looked slim.

Juliano Belletti was preferred to start against Blackburn in October, though Ferreira did come off the bench for the final half-hour, starting the next two games with Ashley Cole out injured.

The quiet defender continued to figure in the League Cup, and even found the net from close range at Blackburn, only his second goal in a Chelsea shirt (his first being against Colchester United in 2005/06) and the third of his career.

Limited appearances followed between Christmas and February, including a fine game against Cardiff in the FA Cup, culminating in a pinpoint cross for Salomon Kalou to nod home the fourth goal.

Had he been registered for the Champions League, where the squad is limited to 25, and must include a quota of home-grown players, Paulo would surely have seen further action in the San Siro, where Florent Malouda played at left-back in a 2-1 defeat to Inter.

It was at this point that both Cole and Zhirkov were absent through injury, and Ferreira could make a significant contribution after waiting so patiently. Injury to Ivanovic at Blackburn however meant it would be on his favoured right side where he made the most impact.

Despite being beaten in the air for an important looking equalizer at Ewood Park, he continued to plug the gap in big wins over Portsmouth and Aston Villa, and then played a crucially disciplined defensive role in the win at Old Trafford.

Ten straight starts in domestic games had seen him let nobody down, and although he played no part after the 7-0 thrashing of Stoke in late April, he had done enough to more than earn his two winners' medals, and goes into the World Cup as one of Portugal's few form players.

Lampard Aims To Have Shoot-On-Sight Policy

Frank Lampard believes he can take full advantage of the new and lighter World Cup ball to help England’s quest for glory in South Africa.

The Chelsea midfielder has already been practicing shooting from long range with the Jabulani ball during England’s training camp in Austria, and Lampard is confident in it being possible to score from almost any distance given the way the ball swerves and moves in the air.

Lampard said: “The ball we will be using does move. I worked on it in Austria.

Mikel - I Couldn't Risk Knee

John Obi Mikel admits he did not want to risk his knee injury after being ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup campaign.

The Chelsea midfielder was scratched from Lars Lagerback's 23-man squad for the tournament in South Africa on Saturday after failing to recover fully from a recent knee operation.

He missed the end of Chelsea's successful season after undergoing surgery, but was hoping to be fit to take his place in Nigeria's World Cup squad.

However, despite training fully with his team-mates on Friday, Mikel has confirmed he is not in a position to play in the World Cup finals.

Mikel told www.kickoff.com: "It is the same knee and I did not want to risk any further damage, also I think it is in the best interest of the team for me to withdraw rather than waste a slot.

"I wish the team good luck and I know that they will surprise people."

Nigeria coach Lagerback has acted immediately to replace Mikel by drafting uncapped Sochaux midfielder Brown Ideye into his squad.

The 21-year-old was one of the unlucky seven players to be dropped from the squad earlier this week when the Swede trimmed his list to 23.

The Nigerians wrap up their preparations for the finals with a friendly against North Korea in Johannesburg on Sunday.

After their opening Group B match against Argentina next Saturday in Johannesburg, Lagerback's team face Greece in Bloemfontein on 17th June before wrapping up their group matches with a match against South Korea in Durban five days later.

Arsenal Will Only Sign Joe Cole If The Chelsea Midfielder Drops Wage Demands By 50%

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will only sanction a move for Joe Cole if the England star drops his £120,000-a-week wage demands, and prove his long-term fitness.

Arsenal have jumped to the head of the queue of clubs lining up to secure Cole’s signature, but the club are unwilling to shatter their salary structure to tie up a deal for a player with a chequered recent fitness record.

Manchester United have also asked to be kept informed of developments and it is understood that Old Trafford would be Cole’s first choice of destination.

But United would be unwilling to give Cole the four-year contract that he is looking for, even though the 28-year-old is available on a free transfer.

The midfielder has already informed Chelsea that he intends to exercise his right to leave under freedom of contract.

Wenger is a big admirer of the player and exploratory talks have been held with Cole’s advisers but the Arsenal manager does not view the player in the same bracket as top earner Cesc Fabregas, who is on £110,000-a-week.

Although the Frenchman has a £45 million transfer kitty this summer, the figure is believed to cover first-year salaries as well as transfer fees.

If Fabregas moved to Barcelona it would remove the club’s highest earner from the wage bill, but Wenger is believed to be willing to sanction a deal that would provide Cole a basic £80,000-a-week with performance and appearance-related bonuses.

There is also concern at the Emirates Stadium regarding Cole’s fitness. The midfielder missed the second half of the 2008-09 season with knee ligament damage and, after missing the build-up to the current campaign, has suffered from a string of minor ailments and struggled to cement a place in Chelsea’s team.

Arsenal rejected the chance to sign Patrick Vieira on a free transfer last season because they were led to believe he would not pass a medical.

Cole has said that he will wait until after the World Cup to sort out his future but it is likely that the deal will be done before that time.