Villas-Boas targets Pepe.
Andre Villas-Boas has set sights on his first target this summer. According to the Daily Star, the young manager is looking to lure fellow Portuguese and Real Madrid defender Pepe to London. The 28-year-old is out of contract next summer at Madrid and has not yet signed a new deal, despite being offered a lucrative 4-year extension by the Spanish club.
Chelsea are believed to be interested in signing Pepe because of his versatility in being able to play as a defensive midfielder as well. Villas-Boas is looking for a player who can bring back the solidarity that Claude Makelele once commanded during his time at Chelsea.
Pepe cost Real Madrid £27m when they signed him back in 2007. But the centre half could be available for a fraction of the cost considering he is out of contract next summer.
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Malouda going nowhere.
French ace Florent Malouda has calmed rumours suggesting his departure from Stamford Bridge this summer, according to the premierleague.com. Malouda was believed to have attracted interest from AC Milan and AS Roma in recent weeks and with a new manager at the club, the 31-year-old was said to be on his way out.
However the Chelsea No.15 went on record saying: “Since my arrival at Chelsea, I have had six coaches. At every transfer window we talk about my name. My ambition is to continue until 2014 in Chelsea.”
The experienced winger also went on to add that he shares a good rapport with Villas-Boas and disclosed the new manager had been instrumental in bringing him to England, back when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
Redknapp blasts Modric bid.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has blasted Chelsea over their summer bid for Luka Modric, according to The Telegraph. The Croatian playmaker is the target of several clubs but it was Chelsea’s bid that infuriated the Spurs manager.
Redknapp said: “I was surprised by the figure. It’s a farcical bid. If they’re going to make an offer, make an offer, but £22million for Luka Modric is ridiculous.”
The statement is beginning to raise questions whether a higher bid would be able to convince Tottenham to sell Modric this summer. Despite Harry’s insistence of keeping the big players at the club, he was willing to admit the failure to qualify for the Champions League have left them warding away bigger clubs during the transfer window in what could very well be a losing battle.
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