Blues De Rossi link.
New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is targeting Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi as his new signing to replace the injured Michael Essien, the Daily Star reports.
De Rossi could cost the Blues £18m and the Italian international is reportedly interested in testing his abilities in the Premier League. Fears over the future of Michael Essien, who has suffered his third serious knee injury in three years, have prompted Villas-Boas to look for a replacement in midfield for the Ghanaian.
The Blues are still interested in Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, but are facing difficulties with the stubbornness of the Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who is unwilling to accept any sort of offer for the Croatian. Villas-Boas is looking to freshen up his playing squad and could also try and sign Porto striker Radamel Falcao, who scored a record breaking 17 goals in the Europa League last season.
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Cahill bid lined-up.
Chelsea are prepared to take Bolton defender Gary Cahill from under Arsenal’s noses as Blues skipper John Terry recommended the defender to Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, the Daily Mirror reports.
Arsenal have been interested in the 25 year old all summer, but could be pipped by Chelsea, who are keen on bringing in another British centre half. With Cahill only having one year left on his current deal, Chelsea are unwilling to pay £18m for the England international. Current Chelsea centre back Alex is understood to be on the verge of a transfer to German giants Bayern Munich.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle stated earlier this week that there has been no firm offers for Cahill, but if Chelsea place a bid, the appeal of the Champions League could turn Cahill’s head into a move. The 25 year old signed for the Trotters from Aston Villa in 2008 and has gone on to become Bolton’s star defender.
3-0 friendly win.
Chelsea began their pre-season with a behind closed doors, 3-0 victory over League 1 side Wycombe Wanderers, chelseafc.com reports.
The game was new manager Andre Villas-Boas’ first chance to have a look at his current Chelsea squad, since taking over this summer from Portuguese giants Porto. Goals from the recovered Yossi Benayoun, £50m January signing Fernando Torres and young defender Slobodan Rajkovic secured the win for the Blues.
Chelsea had a lineup consisting of 32 first team and reserve players to allow Villas-Boas to have an idea of what everyone of his players could do. The Blues travel to Asia on July 21st to participate in a tour of Asia and play in the Barclays Asia Trophy along with fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Blackburn.
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