Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has identified Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell as their big January transfer target, according to The Daily Mail.
The Blues are looking to revitalise their ageing squad and made strides with the summer signings of Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku and Oriol Romeu. Villas-Boas believes that he needs new faces at Stamford Bridge and is eager to sign the England international midfielder. With speculation surrounding Frank Lampard’s future at Chelsea, Rodwell would be an ideal replacement in midfield. The 20 year old has starred for Everton in the last few seasons and was a target for Premier League champions Manchester United.
Everton are prepared to demand £20m for their player, but Chelsea are expected to start the bidding at around £10m to try and get Rodwell for less. The midfielder has suffered a hamstring problem and many wonder whether he will be sold by the Toffees to aid their debt worries. Rodwell has only played 27 minutes of Premier League football since he impressed for England against Spain and Sweden last month. Villas-Boas is undeterred by Rodwell’s injury worries and is prepared to sign the 20 year old to spearhead his side’s second half of the season.
Rodwell has a bright future in the England national setup and is expected to represent Team Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London. England boss Fabio Capello is not expected to call up the Everton midfielder for his Euro 2012 squad. Rodwell could join a Chelsea midfield that is filled with young promise such as Romeu and Ramires.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Tottenham v Chelsea
