Nicolas Anelka To Sign Two-Year Contract Extension With Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka is believed to have agreed to a two-year contract extension with Chelsea.

The talks over a new contract were previously reported to have been on hold until the end of the season, while Anelka's representative had insisted that the player would like to continue plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman's previous contract had another year left to run, and The Mirror reports that the 31-year-old's agent has now finalized a deal that will see his client rake in £90,000-a-week.

The former Bolton Wanderers hitman is currently with his national team, preparing for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He scored 15 goals last season as Chelsea did the double by winning the Premier League and the FA Cup.

Joe Cole: I Need A Manager That Has Faith In Me

After struggling to find first-team football under Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, Joe Cole insists that he needs a boss that has faith in him.

The England international midfielder will be released by the Blues when his contract runs out this month, with Tottenham Hotspur expressing interest in the 28-year-old.

Cole admitted that this past Premier League season was a tough one for him after being froze out of the Chelsea line-up by Ancelotti.

"This season was very difficult for me. I just want to put it behind me now,” Cole told The Mirror.

“What I need in my career is a manager who will give me that feeling that you are going to play here. That’s faith.

"Under Jose Mourinho if you look at it, I played more than Robben, Duff, Wrighty [Wright-Phillips], Malouda, Mutu, Gudjohnsen. Jose had a lot of faith in me. I played in all the big games.

"Even in the first year I played more than them. I know because I have looked at the stats. It just happened that it was spread out.

"I am sure that will all sort itself out. I don't want to talk too much about Chelsea. That is another story. I just want to concentrate on the World Cup. I want to my best for England over the next few weeks."

Chelsea Threaten Manchester City Push For Aston Villa's James Milner

Chelsea are set to go head-to-head with Manchester City to land Aston Villa midfielder James Milner, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Milner, 24, enjoyed a breakthrough season last term and lifted the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year award. His 12 assists and seven goals have piqued the interest of both clubs as they begin their plans for the summer transfer window.

City were believed to be favourites for the World Cup star's signature and were reported to have agreed an £80,000-a-week, four-year contract with his representatives. Chelsea could yet rumble the Eastlands club, however, and are able to offer Champions League football after scooping the league title.

Ancelotti Eyes Up Move For Manchester City Man Ireland

Chelsea are rumoured to be ready to make a move for Manchester City playmaker Stephen Ireland as the west London club looks for midfield reinforcements after releasing Michael Ballack and Joe Cole. Carlo Ancelotti is known to be a fan of the Irish international and may believe he can beat off competition for the 23 year old who has made it clear he wants to leave Eastlands.

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for the talented flair player who doesn’t appear to be part of Roberto Mancini’s first team plans. Problems off the field as well as some average performances on it had left the Cork born former Cobh Rambler having to convince the Italian boss of his worth but he appears to have failed to change the City boss’s mind.

Ireland has proven his ability to perform with class in the Premier League and was voted player of the season at Man City the season before last so clearly he has what it takes to play at the very top and Ancelotti may feel he is able to utilize the abundant flair he possesses and could be just the man to make him a more consistent performer.

Its easy to see why there are so many interested parties vying for his signature and it will be interesting to see if the Blues can secure a deal to bring the £12m rated midfielder to the club.

Fenerbahce Sign Chelsea Winger Miroslav Stoch

Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce has completed the transfer of Slovakian international Miroslav Stoch from English champions Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. Fenerbahce have confirmed the transfer on their official website.

Fener missed out on the Turkish league title last term and the Yellow Canaries are keen to add to their ranks this summer in order to fight for the Turkish title again in the 2010-11 campaign.

Stoch joined Chelsea from FC Nitra in the summer of 2006, but failed to really break into the first team with the Blues. The 20-year-old was farmed out on loan to Twente last term and helped the Tukkers to the Eredivisie title with a number of outstanding performances.

The Slovakian international had also attracted the interest of PSV, Ajax and Galatasaray, but Fenerbahce have now won the race for Stoch's signature. The tricky winger has signed a four-year deal with the Istanbul outfit.

Released Chelsea Full-Back Juliano Belletti Linked With Olympique De Marseille Move

Juliano Belletti could join Olympique de Marseille this summer after being released by Chelsea in their summer cull of fringe stars.

While Michael Ballack and Joe Cole grabbed the headlines on Wednesday due to their releases from the Stamford Bridge club, Brazilian right-back Belletti was also ushered out of the door, though his relative lack of first team football meant that his was not a name captured in the headlines.

Belletti could be quick to find a new club, however, as La Provence believes that French champions Marseille are poised to complete a swoop for his services.

A Champions League winner during his time with Barcelona, attacking full-back Belletti would join les Phoceens on a free transfer once his contract with the Blues finally winds down at the end of the month.

OM appear to have lost patience in their constant wrangling with Laurent Bonnart, the incumbent right-back whose deal expires next summer. As a result, the former Le Mans man is expected to be sold, with Saint-Etienne a touted destination, and Belletti could be his immediate replacement.

Ageing Monaco defender Francois Modesto has also been linked with a move to Stade Velodrome in recent times.

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has previously shown a willingness to gamble on veteran stars, acquiring Gabriel Heinze and Fernando Morientes for nothing last summer to mixed results.

VfL Wolfsburg Boss Steve McClaren Targets Free Agent Michael Ballack

VfL Wolfsburg coach Steve McClaren is readying a move for midfielder Michael Ballack, whose release from Chelsea was confirmed by the club on Wednesday, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be interested in taking the player back to the Bundesliga, whilst rumours have also linked the veteran with a move to Real Madrid.

The 33-year-old has already received "several interesting approaches" according to Gerrmany coach Joachim Loew.

Wolfsburg's general manager Dieter Hoeness has also confirmed that he will be discussing Ballack with McClaren very soon, according to the report.

Ken Bates Blasts Blues

Ken Bates has launched an attack on his old club Chelsea for failing to bring through English players.

The Leeds chairman said new rules by the Football League and Premier League to encourage 'homegrown' players were vital.

Top-flight clubs will be obliged to have at least eight players trained in England and Wales in their 25-man squads from next season and Football League clubs a minimum of 10.

Bates said: "I read somewhere that the Premier League have sent 172 players of different nationalities to the World Cup and that is obviously stifling the growth of homegrown kids.

"It is significant that since 2003 Chelsea have not brought one single English player into their first-team squad and similar situations apply to other clubs.

"This is going to put a limit on the unlimited imports of foreign players.

"This is an idea both the Premier League and the Football League are trying to implement to encourage the growth of youngsters and give them a better chance."

Bates added that every Football League clubs was now trying to cut their wage bill.

He told Yorkshire Radio: "A little bit of sanity is starting to come back to the wages market.

"Every club is seeking to reduce their wages bill drastically and reduce the proportion of wages to turnover."

Overplayed Or Out Of Luck - What Is Behind The Chelsea Injury Curse At World Cup 2010?

How about this for flowing football from Chelsea? Start off at the back with Jose Bosingwa, pass to Michael Essien in midfield, move on to Ashley Cole at left-back, he shifts it on to Michael Ballack, captain John Terry gets involved from the back, ushers it up front to Didier Drogba who lays off for John Obi Mikel to have a shot.

No, not one of the seven goals against Aston Villa (or Stoke City or Sunderland) as they marched to the Premier League title. Not even a crucial moment on the road to Wembley and FA Cup success.

It is the run of injuries that have blighted Chelsea players' attempts to add the World Cup to their resumes.

Portugal's Bosingwa was the first to succumb, picking up a knee injury in an October defeat to Villa. By March, his season was over after an operation, as were his chances of playing at World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

Worse was to follow in January when Ghana's Essien was ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a knee injury. For the remainder of the season, the midfielder battled to get back to fitness, not only to help Chelsea over the line in their double quest, but also to star in the World Cup on his home continent. Alas to no avail.

Then came a freak injury for Cole against Everton in February. A seemingly innocuous challenge on Landon Donovan - on loan at Goodison and ironically a key player for the USA, England's first opponents at the World Cup - led to him being kicked in the sole of the boot and fracturing his ankle.

"It's very bad news," said England manager Fabio Capello at the time. "It's very important to us that he is back." Thankfully, for Cole and England, he is.

Essien apart, all seemed well as Carlo Ancelotti's men lifted the Premier League trophy, but as they prepared for the FA Cup final against Portsmouth, Terry injured his foot in training. It was but a small scare - but the word 'metatarsal' generally sends England supporters scurrying for cover as a major tournament approaches.

Then a heavy challenge from Kevin-Prince Boateng on Ballack during the Wembley showpiece injured the Germany captain's ankle, and he was quickly ruled out of World Cup 2010.

And in the past two days, Drogba has sustained a fractured elbow in a warm-up international against Japan, while Mikel is the latest to be confirmed as definitely out of the entire duration of the World Cup due to a knee injury.

But how can one club be so blighted by injuries?

Have the stresses and strains of achieving the 'Domestic Double' in the most physically demanding footballing country in the world finally taken its toll?

Is it down to an ageing squad being unable to last a full season at peak fitness?

Or is it sheer coincidence, the unluckiest possible twist at the end of a magnificent and memorable season?

Summary Of A Season: Salomon Kalou

In many ways it was a typical season for Salomon Kalou, where again he turned in a goals to games ratio of approaching one in three, but the campaign was littered with unforgettable moments from magic to mayhem and back again.

Things kicked off perfectly as he side-footed home the winning penalty in the Community Shield at Wembley, and though his season ended with more silverware at the national stadium, his afternoon will probably best be remembered for the missing of an open goal in an incomprehensibly goalless first half of the FA Cup Final.

Eternally regarded at Stamford Bridge as being as effective from the bench as he is the start, he began the season in reserve before an in-and-out spell in which he earned probably the season's strangest booking - for jumping to block a Rory Delap throw-in at Stoke with his head.

Asked to lead the line against QPR in the Carling Cup, he supplied his first goal with a tidy finish, and added two more in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, despite missing another easy one at 0-0.

Excellent against Wolves in November, he laid on two for team-mates before sitting out four games with a rare injury - like Frank Lampard, Salomon is another whose body rarely lets him down.

The African Nations followed with a further absence, and not enough impact for Ivory Coast in Angola, but before he departed came an important contribution against Fulham after Christmas, playing in Daniel Sturridge whose shot eventually found the net off defender Chris Smalling, sparking a comeback that saw us enter 2010 top of the pile.

He returned from Africa to a side that had flown through January, and was, inevitably, back among the subs, though a goalscoring return to the line-up against Cardiff saw him given the nod for the first leg against Inter in Europe.

Chelsea's standout performer on the night, he scored what looked like a crucial away goal from outside the area, and had a blatant penalty turned away right on half-time. The player himself considers it his best performance of the season.

Another strike in the 7-1 win over Aston Villa was followed by the pass that created Didier Drogba's winner at Old Trafford. That the forward was offside and it was not spotted by the assistant referee was no fault of Kalou's.

As frustrating as he is excellent, Kalou's enterprising ethic was rewarded with a hat-trick (and the winning of a penalty) against Stoke in April, his first in Chelsea colours, before netting his final goal in the demolition of Wigan on the Premier League's last day.

That provided a first Chelsea championship medal, and the Double came six days later despite his six-yard box indiscretion, where he hit the bar from mere feet away from the line.

Thirty-seven appearances show how useful Carlo Ancelotti considers the 24-year-old to be, yet next season he will be looking to improve on the stat that shows he completed 90 minutes just four times. A good World Cup could make it the season that turns undoubted potential into regular product.

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."