Carlo - Sheva To Stay At Chelsea

The Milan boss has put all the rumours to bed by stating that the former AC Milan hero would not be moving to any club during the summer transfer window.. It was believed that Milan wanted him badly following the injury to Boriello which ruled him out for the start of the forth coming season.

But Ancelotti said: 'Borriello has a problem which will be resolved quickly, so we will wait for him. Shevchenko will play at Chelsea this season.'



Milan are on their way to Moscow where they will take on Primera Liga side Sevilla before meeting the winner of the clash between Lokomotiv Moscow and Chelsea on Sunday.

Ancelotti revealed that 18-year-old striker Alberto Paloschi would deputise for Borriello in Milan's starting line-up for both games.

'Besides Kaka, Paloschi remains our only striker available, so he will play the next two games that are important tests against strong teams,' he added.

Chelsea To Make Kaka The Highest Paid Footballer

Kaka would earn a staggering amount of 22 million pounds if he were to sign for Chelsea.. Chelsea are willing to make AC Milan ace Kaka among the world's best paid sporting stars.

Sport says beyond their £250,000-a-week contract offer, which was tabled to Kaka's father and agent, Bosco Izecson Pereira, last week by Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon, the key to the mega bucks deal is image rights.



Along with a mooted £15 million signing on fee, which would be paid upfront to the Brazilian, Chelsea would also be willing to split the player's image rights 20:80. Broadly speaking, it could mean an annual £10 million bonus for Kaka above his £12 million salary.

Anelka Urges Blues To Sign The 'Classy' Brazilian

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is relishing the prospect of playing alongside Real Madrid and Brazil playmaker Robinho next season.

Anelka scored twice on Chelsea's Asia tour after being restored to his favourite role by Luiz Felipe Scolari and now the Frenchman is eager for Chelsea to land their top summer target.

Anelka believes that Robinho is perfect for Chelsea and he is the sort of player Chelsea must add to their already star studded squad to bolster their chances of wining both Premier League and Champions League



'He can play everywhere, he's a very good player,' said Anelka.

'He can score, he can give some assists. He's always good for a player like me - a striker - and for Chelsea.'

Milan Rule Out Sheva Signing

Rumours had it that the Ukranian hitman was heading back to Milan after a nightmare of a spell at Chelsea. The former AC Milan star failed to live up to his hefty price tag of 30 million pounds scoring a handful of goals during his 2 injury hit seasons at Stamford Bridge.

AC Milan have never hidden their desire of bringing back one of their most devastating strikers back to the San Siro, publicaly admiting an interest in him on a number of times. However it now seems that new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is keen on giving Shevchenko a chance which has put paid to any deal.



"He's not for sale" said Galliani. "I've asked officially and Roman Abramovich said no. So we must be serious and disciplined.

"Should a club say no, we must accept. It means we have to think of something else" he added.

Milan To Bid For Chelsea Outcast

According to the latest reports in Italian and English media, AC Milan are ready to launch an official inquiry for the rising Serbian star who has yet to play for the Blues after making a 9 million pounds move during the Winter Transfer Window.

Milan declared after their accusation of Ronnie that it was their last signing but the recent injury to Nesta has has led to some concerns and as a result the club are considering going back into the market for a stopper.

Latest reports in the Italian and English media suggest that Milan are eyeing up Chelsea’s forgotten man Branislav Ivanovic.

With fierce competition this season from John Terry, Riccardo Carvalho, and Alex, his chances also look slim this term, and as a result Milan are hoping to acquire the 24-year-old on a season-long loan deal, possibly with an option to sign him permanently next summer.

Ivanovic is not the only Chelsea player to have been linked with Milan in recent days, as the Italians are also said to be considering former star Andriy Shevchenko.

Cech Ready To Forget Sour Moscow Memories

Peter Cech has urged his Chelsea counterparts by saying that the best way to forget a losing final is to get to another final.. Chelsea are in Moscow where they lost the Champions League final last term to their bitter rivals Manchester United on penalties.



John Terry Misses An Important Penalty In the Champions League Final Shootout

"You can turn the page and go on because you have to do it, but of course the defeat stays in your mind for quite a while - and the best way to forget about the memories from the losing Final is to get to another one," Cech told the club's official website.

"Only like that do you forget about the defeats in finals and we still have plenty of time to do it.

"What happened in Moscow happened in the past and we are coming looking to the future because the two games will be important for us to prepare for the start against Portsmouth.

"So we come here only for this purpose. I can't talk for everyone else, but for myself it is in the past and the new season starts and I am only looking forward."

Chelsea Offload Ben Haim

Manchester City have announced on their website that they have completed the signing of the Chelsea outcast on a 4 year deal for an undisclosed fee, thought to be 5 million pounds. Ben Haim didn't enjoy the best of relationship with his Israeli counterpart Avram Grant leading the Israeli international to publicaly criticize his manager.

A successful work permit application is all that stands in the way of Tal Ben Haim's switch from Chelsea to Manchester City.

City have announced the agreement via their official website, stating: "The 26-year-old former Bolton man has penned a four-year contract and becomes Mark Hughes second signing as City manager.

"Ben Haim becomes the second Israeli player to join the Club following in the footsteps of City legend Eyal Berkovic."

Chelsea Wins Against Malaysian Select XI

Chelsea survived the biggest test of their pre-season tour so far as Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole scored to secure victory over a spirited Malaysian League Select team.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side had been rarely threatened in their opening two pre-season games.

Despite again dominating for long spells in front of a crowd of around 70,000 at the atmospheric Shah Alam Stadium, the home side came close on several occasions through Selangor's Amirul Hadi Zainal.

But Chelsea completed their three-game Asian tour with a 100% record as Anelka and England defender Cole scored to seal the win.

The Blues will now jet off to Russia to face much tougher opposition in the Railway Cup, which begins for Chelsea with a match against Lokomotiv Moscow on Friday.

Scolari named another strong team, with Wayne Bridge starting at left-back at the expense of Cole, while Mikel John Obi returned to the side in the holding midfield role and midfielder Joe Cole made his first start of the tour after scoring off the bench last time out in Macau.

Chelsea were given their first real shock of the tour in the second minute as Amirul drilled a shot narrowly wide of the right post from the edge of the area with Petr Cech sprawling across his goal.

Summer signing Deco almost handed Chelsea a spectacular 14th-minute lead as Frank Lampard played a left-wing corner to the edge of the area for the waiting Portugal international to send a dipping volley forwards, only for Malaysia goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias to produce a spectacular diving save to beat the ball away to safety.

Anelka broke clear of the Malaysian backline two minutes later but fired his shot straight at Helmi, who plays for Malaysia Super League champions Kedah.

But the French striker was not to be denied midway through the first half as he collected Joe Cole's through ball, strode clear of the defence and fired across Helmi and into the bottom corner with 26 minutes on the clock.

Seven minutes before the break Selangor midfielder Amirul was again given time on the edge of the Chelsea penalty area, but once more he pulled his shot wide of the upright past a diving Cech.

Following four half-time changes, substitute Ashley Cole doubled the Chelsea lead seven minutes before the hour mark with a neat turn and finish from the edge of the six-yard area despite appearing to be offside after finding himself on the end of Lampard's pass into the Malaysia area.

Michael Essien had a chance to add to the Chelsea lead with 16 minutes remaining but Helmi was quickly off his line to smother the strike on the edge of the area.

Agent - Drogba To Stay At Chelsea

Didier Drogba is set to stay at Chelsea after his agent revealed that the Ivorian hit man wouldn't leave the West London outfit. Drogba has been qouted many times saying that he wanted a new challenge in his carrear. But now it looks like Drogba would be staying at the Bridge after Big Phil told the Chelsea Powerhouse that he had a role to play the forthcoming season.

Drogba is still very much a Chelsea player with just about two-and-a-half weeks remaining before the official start of the Premier League campaign, and it's looking increasingly likely that it will stay that way.



"Frankly there is nothing to departure to talk about because there is no departure in store," his agent said

"He has a contract with Chelsea and is not close to joining any other team."

Scolari blames Grant For Malouda's Failure

Big Phil has notoriously raised a finger at his predecessor for the first time by claiming that the Israeli wasted Malouda during last season by not playing him at his preferred position..

The Ex-Lyon superstar has failed to replicate his Lyon form and had a fairly below par first season at Stamford Bridge.. Mourinho signed the French International for 20 million euros but after the Special One's departure from the English game, Malouda had barely been given enough time on the pitch to prove his worth much to the fury of Scolari..



"I want to know if he stays with us, what is his best position," said Scolari

"Last season he played in a different position than he did at Lyon. I want him to play on the wing like he did in Lyon. He was wasted last season."

"I have the players for exciting football and I have the players for us to be champions,""Deco has his style and that style improves other players, so he can make everyone better, but there were chances for [Andriy] Shevchenko and Malouda tonight.

"Now it's a time for me to test the players. I'm seeing if we should play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, or which position is best for each player, or whether some players would do better in some games or others," he added.

"These are practice games but the players are trying their best for Chelsea and also for themselves. After that I'll decide."

Lamps To Be Offered A New Bumper Deal

If Guardian are to be believed then according to their reports Frank is set to be offered a mega deal to shrug off any possibility of him being praised away by Mourinho managed Internazionale from the West London outfit.. Inter declared Lampard to be their top target earlier this month, giving air to rumours that lampard, after a highly successful 7 years at Chelsea might just leave Stamford Bridge..

But Guardian reports that Scolari has marked Lampard as an irreplaceable target after their unsuccessful pursuit of praising Kaka away from the San Siro.. Reports in the British tabaloid claim that Lampars will be offered a staggering wage of 150,000 pounds per week over the 54 years time period..


Both player and club have been involved in a year-long contractual stand-off, with Chelsea only prepared to extend the length of any deal to four years. Lampard wanted assurances from the Stamford Bridge outfit that a five-year offer would be tabled, and the dispute threatened to steer him towards the exit-door.

But it is believed that both parties have reached an agreement and the club's most consistent and valueable assest since the arrival of Russian Ticoon Roman Abromovich will end his career at Chelsea..

The Chelsea source stated: "There will be no movement on the money but the length of the deal is likely to be increased to meet Frank's demands. Hopefully when we return from the tour the issue can finally be put to bed."

It does seem a bit odd that Frank is holding out for another 12 months when a very favourable deal has been put to him,” he added.

“And by offering him the extra year at least we will know once and for all whether this has been the main obstacle preventing him from committing his future to the club."

The new deal would see Lampard potentially earn a staggering £37million over the next five years.

Blues Smashes 7 Past Chengdu Blades

THE ERA of Luiz Felipe Scolari may have begun in emphatic fashion with two handsome wins and 11 goals, but it would be premature to hail the Brazilian’s rebranded team as the great entertainers.

Such was the poverty of the opposition in Macau yesterday that Chelsea’s players have probably exerted themselves more in kickabouts in their back gardens. The visitors were able to stroll through this game, slicing open their hosts at will. Had they wanted to rack up double figures, they would surely have done so. Total control? Absolutely. Total football? Absolutely not.

In midweek, Scolari growled at the mere mention of Jose Mourinho, stating that, like Frank Sinatra, he would do it his way and that beautiful football would come second to winning.

However, the message from his players is that the former Brazil and Portugal manager is advocating a more gung-ho style in training, with two strikers rather than the one that has been the norm, and the club’s deep reservoir of attacking midfielders encouraged to show their creative sides.

Yet there was more than a hint of Mourinho in the personnel and formation that Scolari selected. It was a strong starting XI for late July and the tactics were a throw-back to Mourinho’s time, three central midfielders and two wingers complementing a single striker, in this case Nicolas Anelka.

As hosts, Chengdu Blades could not have been more hospitable. They are owned by Sheffield United but they showed no steel. Chelsea scored three in the first half and four in the second, the pick of which was a delightful backheeled flick from substitute Joe Cole, one of two goals for the winger in his first pre-season game. Anelka, Salomon Kalou, Frank Lampard, Argentinian teenager Franco Di Santo and Shaun Wright-Phillips weighed in with goals.

There was occasional slickness in Chelsea’s play, Michael Essien typically shining in two different roles, firstly anchoring the midfield and later at right-back, while Deco and Lampard dovetailed effectively in central midfield without getting in one other’s way. On the down side, Deco made a few rash challenges and would surely have been shown a yellow card in a Premier League fixture.

Scolari was a relaxed presence on the bench, choosing to stay rooted to his seat for the whole game. He clapped the opening two goals, was undemonstrative for the rest and laughed when the seventh crept in via Wright-Phillips’s shoulder.

Pre-season rides do not come much easier than this but Scolari says it was exactly the type of run-out he wanted and that his lineup for the opening Premier League game against Portsmouth on August 16 will be shaped by the considerably tougher fixtures in Moscow on Friday and Sunday.

“Look, for us, this is match training. If I was at Cobham it would make it the same,” he said. “We are here not only to play games but other things and for me it is better because I build my team for the Russian games and after that I have the team for the first game against Portsmouth.”

One player the manager knows very well is Deco, who contributed a full 90-minute shift despite his exertions for Portugal in the summer, evidence perhaps that Scolari wants this key cog in the wheel in prime shape for the start of the league season.

Star man: Joe Cole

Scorers: Chelsea: Anelka 15, Kalou 31, Lampard 38, J Cole 55, 82, Di Santo 66, Wright-Phillips 83

CHENGDU BLADES: Lan Yi, Liu Cheng, Demar, Li Mingyi (Ding Qi 55min), Zhu Xiaogang (Xu Chao 62min), Zhang Chaosong (Yang Zezhi h-t), Li Tie (Peng Xingli 78min), Xia Qiqi (Zhou Peng 55min), Zhou Yougen (Jiang Xiaoyu 82min), Shi Jun (Denilson h-t), Wang Song

CHELSEA: Cech (Hilario 60min), Ferreira (Ivanovic h-t), Alex (Carvalho h-t), Terry (J Cole 53min), A Cole (Bridge h-t), Deco, Essien, Lampard (Mikel h-t), Wright-Phillips, Anelka (Di Santo 60min), Kalou (Malouda h-t)

Gudjohnson: Mourinho The Reason Behind Chelse's Success

Gudjohnson had a successful spell at Chelsea before he moved from the Stamford Bridge to the Spanish Giants.. He was a key part of the Mourinho squad that won two successive premier league titles.. Now the former blue has hailed his former boss n described him the reason behind Chelsea's success..

Gudjohnsen left Stamford Bridge two years ago to join Barcelona after picking up back-to-back Premier League winner’s medals in West London.

He said on Setanta Sports News: “For me the one who stood out was Mourinho. I think the time that I had in Chelsea was excellent.

“Chelsea for me was always a big club, but when Mourinho came, they became a top club."

Mourinho was forced out of Stamford Bridge at the beginning of last season, but has since taken the reins at Italian champions Inter.

And Inter's gain is Chelsea's loss according to Gudjohnsen, who credits Mourinho with turning The Blues expensively assembled squad inito title winners.

“Obviously we won The Premier League twice and achieved a lot of success," he added. "He gave us that extra bit of confidence that we needed.

“If you look at the team that we had before Mourinho, a lot of the players who were already there were in Mourinho’s first team when we won the league.

“I am very grateful to him and he is probably one of the best coaches I have played under so far.”

Ballack is relishing years of service at Chelsea

It is an indication of the high esteem in which Michael Ballack is held by his Chelsea team-mates that the Germany midfield player was applauded on to the pitch before training at the Macau Stadium last night, although the fact that he had just returned from his honeymoon may also have had something to do with it.

After the departure of Claude Makelele to Paris Saint-Germain, Ballack has become Chelsea's senior player, which goes some way towards explaining the strength of his reaction to claims from Sir Alex Ferguson that he is part of an ageing team.

The Manchester United manager is not thought to have had Ballack in mind when he signalled an early start to the silly season from the Barclays Premier League champions' tour to South Africa this week, not least because he went to great lengths to try to sign him from Bayern Munich 2 years ago, but that did not prevent the Germany captain biting back with interest. Ballack insisted that Ferguson's comments should not be taken seriously, identifying them as part of the phoney war before the Premier League campaign begins next month.

“Like we always say, it's not about old or young players,” Ballack said. “It's about good or bad players. Of course this team can still improve. If you're 13 or you're 31, you're not old. Look at Maka [Makelele] last season. I think he was 34 or 35, yet he still played a very good season. That's no age for a footballer.



“I don't think he [Ferguson] was talking about me or any other specific player. I think it's just what happens in the summer break - you tickle each other a little bit. What Ferguson said cannot be taken seriously.”

Ballack is confident that Chelsea can prove his point by striking back at United to regain the title this season. Given the 31-year-old's impressive career, it seems harsh to characterise him as a nearly man, although the fact remains that four German titles, three German Cups and a Carling Cup represent a poor return for a player of his ability. Germany's defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2008 is just one more disappointment to add to a lengthy list of ones that got away, including two Champions League finals and the 2002 World Cup final.

“We'll be a better team this season,” Ballack said. “I think you saw towards the end of the season we were in very good shape. If the season had gone on two more weeks we could have won the league. We are always competitive. United have had two very good seasons. They won the double last year and it was a fantastic season for them, but we were very close. We were behind them by a millimetre and this time we will try to be the first.”

Much of Ballack's confidence springs from the club's appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari, whom he met for the first time as his manager yesterday. The pair first met at that World Cup final win for Brazil in Japan six years ago and most recently locked horns in the European Championship quarter-finals in Zurich, where Scolari accused Ballack of pushing Paulo Ferreira to score what turned out to be the winning goal for Germany.

“It was the first question we spoke about, whether I pulled Paulo or not,” Ballack said. “He's a nice person, but it's all different now he's my manager. It's difficult to say too much about him yet because he only talked to us for a few minutes. A lot of people have told me there is a very good atmosphere here with the new coach around the team.”

Ballack's personal life is equally harmonious, which is part of the reason he wishes to extend a contract that has one year to run with an option for a further 12 months, although, unlike Frank Lampard, he is not seeking to force the club's hand. No wonder Ballack is so popular.

Deco: Chelsea better Than Barca

The Brazillian born Portuguese superstar Deco has insisted that Chelsea had immense squad depth n the Quality n the Blues had to be highly-regarded.

He said, "It is hard to compare two different teams, both Barcelona and Chelsea have very good players, but Chelsea have the edge and have a great team spirit.

"I am very glad to join Chelsea and I am happy after being able to link up with Mr Scolari again and together I hope we can do very good things for Chelsea."

"We played very well on Wednesday considering it was our first game, but we did not play that well and we hope to play better on Saturday after being able to train together more," he said after appearing for an hour in China.

"I still have a lot of things to learn, coming to Chelsea is a new challenge for me. We have a strong team and I can learn a lot from them despite being 30."

Pizarro's agent absolutely livid with River rumours

Pizarro's agent claimed earlier today that the move to River Plate was never on the cards. He has insisted that Pizarro wants to prove his worth in the premier league n the move away from the Stamford Bridge is unlikely..

Pizarro’s future at Stamford Bridge has been the subject of debate after he scored just two goals in 21 Premier League appearances following a free transfer move from Bayern Munich last summer.

Real Betis and Paris Saint Germain have both been linked with the Peru international and River president Jose Maria Aguilar recently claimed he was offered the player but Pizarro’s wage demands proved prohibitive.

Now the player’s agent has stated that his client is hoping to stay in West London and that a return to South America is not on the agenda.

"Seven European teams have asked for him and I told them all the truth: Claudio wants to stay at Chelsea and it is pointless to continue talking about a move that will not happen,” Carlos Delgado told Radio Programas Peru.

"However, he has options. Claudio is free to decide. He is fighting for a place in one of the most important clubs in the world, but at the end he will have to take a decision.

"Someone was bored and released that crazy news. Not only because River can't afford Claudio's contract but also because he is not interested in South America at all.

"He has a contract with Chelsea and wants to play in Europe. This idea is as crazy as Universitario or Alianza signing (Hernan) Crespo."

Mikel Gunning For First Team Place

John Obi Mikel is confident he can take over from Claude Makelele in the Chelsea midfield after the Veteran Frenchman signed for the League One Outfit PSG..

But Mikel believes he has enough quality to cement his place in Chelsea's starting lineup.. He has been impressive for Chelsea but has been in and out of the team since he joined the Blues after a controversial Transfer... But despite the presence of Lampard, Ballack n Deco, the Nigerian Rising star believes he can fit into the Stamford Bridge setup n be an important figure in the Star studded Blues midfield..

'I played that role sometimes last season and hopefully I'll have a long run in the team now," he said.

'It's something I've wanted - a run in the team - and I suppose Claude's departure has opened up that door for me, but I was playing in that role when I was in the team last season too.

'I was in and out of the team last season, but when I was given a chance under (former manager Jose) Mourinho before, I actually did okay in that holding role. I think I did very well under Mourinho and was playing regularly.

'Of course, when a new manager comes in everyone has to start afresh and roll up their sleeves. In Avram Grant's time I was in and out of the side, and that was a bit frustrating, but it's what happens in football.

'This time, under the new boss, I will try to make it my position in the team each week.'



Last season Mikel continued to mature in the Chelsea midfield and actually made more appearances than Makelele - possibly a factor in the decision to release the 35-year-old Frenchman for a swansong in Paris.

With a spot now lying vacant in the Chelsea midfield, it is up to Mikel to impress Scolari and win a starting berth in time for the Barclays Premier League opener against Portsmouth on August 17, and then more importantly hold on to the role.

'I'm loving playing under the new manager, even if it's largely been in training so far, but we'll see what happens when the season proper starts. We'll see how it goes,' said Mikel.

'I think he's a good man. From what I've seen, he's got a good character and speaks to his players regularly, asking how we feel and, if we have a problem, how he can help us in any way. He's impressive.

'Overall I think he's a good manager, bringing a lot of good things into the team. Obviously, he's already shown that he wants us to play a lot of different systems and formations. We've been used to 4-3-3 in recent seasons and hopefully, at times, we'll still play that way.

'But the manager is versatile and has shown he wants us to be able to adapt as well. We're all looking forward to playing under him.'

Pizarro? River Says No To Peruvian Ace

Chelsea offered Claudio Pizarro to River Plate but they Turned down the chance to sign the Chelsea outcast.. Pizarro had a dismal first season at Stamford Bridge as he had an unproductive season.. He was demoted to first star studded bench and later to the West Londoner's reserves team..

River president Jose Maria Aguilar claims he was informed that Pizarro - who is a target of Real Betis - was available prior to the beginning of the fresh campaign.



Pizarro has failed to impress at Stamford Bridge after moving to England on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2007 and it is understood Chelsea are looking to offload the Peru international striker.

However, Aguilar says River would have been unable to meet Pizarro's wage demands, reported to be in the region of £2.5million-per-year.

"We have had an informal chat only. We are offered a hundred players," said Aguilar.

"Pizarro is a first-class footballer who plays at one of the most powerful, most important clubs in the world.


"Right now, there is no real chance (to sign Pizarro)."

Deco believes in Phil ''The Power' Scolari

Chelsea's most hyped signing of this summer has admired his Chelsea coach by stating that he's a great coach n Blues ll win a lot under his management.. Deco was key member of Scolari's Portugal setup n the duo had a formidable relationship for half a decade..

Deco said, "Scolari's a great coach. Not only is he always trying to set new standards tactically, but he also shows a lot of respect to his players,"

"You know what's what with him - he's not two-faced.

"He is demanding but he also accepts that players see things on the field that should be changed. You can just ahead and do it, as long as it's for the team's sake.





"He'll do fine in the Premier League. There won't be any language barrier - he speaks the language of football. He likes exciting play with a bit of aggression.

"Everyone will adore him," he added. "Both Mourinho and Scolari are strong personalities. Mourinho is more of a 'provocateur'. But you should not compare them. Let Scolari do his job and judge him for that.", he concluded.

Chelsea Close In On Robinho

According to reports in the Spanish Media, Robinho has turned down a new contract offer, increasing the possibilities that Blues might be in a strong position to sign the tricky winger..

Scolari said: 'Robinho is a great player, he plays for one of the best teams in the world and for the national team.'

Chief executive Peter Kenyon reiterated that talks are still taking place with Madrid but insists it won't be a problem if they fail to buy him.

He added: 'If we can get him he will add to the talent we've got. But if not, the objectives at Chelsea won't change.'



Meanwhile, Scolari insists his reign at Chelsea will be completely different to that of Jose Mourinho, who took the club to two Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.

'My name is Luiz Felipe Scolari, not Jose Mourinho,' he said.

'I follow my way and not any other way. I tell my players we need to win, only this.'

Michael Ballack is set to rejoin the squad after being on honeymoon, but the German will not face Chengdu Blades on Saturday.

Scolari hails Chelsea's young general Franco and says rising star shows future is bright

Chelsea's young rising star Franco Di Santo scored on his debut showing why Chelsea paid 3.5 million pounds for the Argentine young gun... He impressed the Stamford Bridge hirearchy by scoring the team's third goal of the evening and was an ever presence after coming on in the second half..

Scolari praised the Argentine n said, 'It's important for us to put some young players in the team. Di Santo scored one goal which is good for us and it's good for him that he played in this match. He will grow as a player and we can continue to build for the future of the team for the next 11, 15, 20 years.'


Franco di 'Santa' impresses Phil 'The Power' Scolari!!!

Such is the impact Di Santo has made in just six months at the club he is expected to play a significant role in the forthcoming season as one of the back-up strikers.

He starred for the reserve team in the second half of the last campaign by scoring seven goals in eight games and finished as their top scorer.

Villa In For SWP

Aston Villa are ready to rival Portsmouth in the
race to sign Chelsea midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips, according to reports.

Fratton Park boss Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to land the England international and is confident he would leave Stamford Bridge to join the FA Cup winners on the south coast.

He said recently: "I know Shaun and his dad (former Arsenal and England ace Ian Wright) think Portsmouth would be a good move for him."

Redknapp, however, revealed he may have to sell some of his current players to fund an £8million move for Wright-Phillips having recently shelled out £11million to sign Peter Crouch.

Reports now suggest Martin O'Neill could enter the race for the former Manchester City flyer, who was on target in Chelsea's 4-0 win over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical yesterday.



Wright-Phillips failed to hold down a regular shirt at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant, but is likely to be given an opportunity to impress Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea Reject Barmigham's Approach For Chelsea Starlet

Chelsea have rejected an approach from Birmingham City for winger Scott Sinclair.



Birmingham have failed in a bid to sign Sinclair on loan, says the Daily Mail.

Chelsea wage bill nears £150 million mark

Chelsea are bracing themselves for another huge increase in player salaries that could take their annual wage bill close to £150million as the recent round of contract renegotiations is set to continue. John Obi Mikel and Joe Cole are the next in line for new deals and expect to open talks before the start of the season after Wayne Bridge, Petr Cech and Michael Essien signed new contracts in the past week. Discussions are under way with Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, and Didier Drogba is also demanding a pay rise to keep him at the club.

Chelsea's wage bill for 2006-07 was £133million, £40million higher than the Barclays Premier League's second biggest spenders, Manchester United, but even that sum, which represents 71 per cent of their turnover, is likely to be dwarfed when their latest results are released early next year.

The contracts signed by Bridge, Cech and Essien have added £4million to the club's wage bill, and Lampard is due for a £1.5million-a-year rise if he agrees to Chelsea's £140,000-a-week offer. Mikel can expect his salary to double to £80,000 a week at a cost of an additional £2million a year to the club because the Nigerian is expected to take over Claude Makelele's position as the midfield anchor. Cole is likely to receive an additional £1million to take his wages to a similar level.



Deco's three-year contract is worth almost £5million a year and José Bosingwa's £2.5million, bringing the total cost of new players, new contracts and those in the pipeline to a staggering £16million annually. In contrast, those players who have left the club this summer, such as Steve Sidwell, were relatively modest earners, with the exception of Makelele, whose departure on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain will save Chelsea £80,000 a week.

Chelsea's largesse may be unsustainable in the long run and makes a mockery of their aim of breaking even by 2010, but their determination to keep the squad together at almost any cost is a testament to the success of their player recruitment in recent years.

Luiz Felipe Scolari, the manager - who earns £5.5million a year, £500,000 more than José Mourinho was banking from Chelsea this time last year - outlined his faith in his squad after the 4-0 win over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical yesterday, refusing to be drawn into a slanging match with Sir Alex Ferguson over the United manager's claims that his players are too old. Salomon Kalou, Lampard, Franco Di Santo and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored the goals in a straightforward win. “I have the players with experience and I have some young boys in my team,” Scolari said. “But I feel with my team that we have experience for the Premier League. I'm not nervous at all. I have the pressure, but all of the coaches have the same pressure. It's normal.

“Don't forget that I was a coach for club teams for 17 years of my life. I was only working with the national team for seven years. I feel the same as I was coaching the other teams. I need to work morning and afternoon, I need to grow the team and I need to think up new tactics for my training.”

Scolari also expressed confidence that Lampard would stay at the club, even though he has yet to agree to a new contract. The England midfield player wore the captain's armband for the second half after John Terry's substitution last night, although he refrained from kissing the club badge after scoring Chelsea's second goal.

“I said two days ago that Frank is here, he is with us, training, playing very well,” Scolari said. “He is one player from our group and the speculation is part of big speculation in the world for this player or that player. Until August 31 [when the transfer window closes] there'll be more speculation for Chelsea than for any other team. After then the speculation will not finish.”

Ben Haim Close To A £4m Switch To Manchester City

Reports in Dailymail claim that the two clubs have agreed over the transfer fee which would be in the region of 4 million pounds. Now the player is set to have talks with Manchester City who are believed to be ready to pay Ben Haim £60,000 per-week salery





The Israel International who had a miserable year with the Blues has been training on his own at the club’s Cobham training ground while his teammates are on tour in China, has chosen City over Newcastle.

Scolari Expects Frank Rumours To Continue But Remains Confident

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari admits speculation over Frank Lampard's future will continue until the end of the summer transfer window.

The England international has been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Italian giants Inter Milan have made no secret of their desire to sign the 30-year-old, with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho keen to bring Lampard to the San Siro.

Scolari is confident Lampard will start the new season with Chelsea, however it has been suggested that he may depart the club for free when his contract expires next summer.

Lampard was on target in Chelsea's 4-0 friendly triumph over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical on Wednesday, and Scolari feels his involvement in the pre-season tour of China demonstrates his commitment to the club.

"I have said before, Frank is here, he is with us training and playing very well, he is an important player for us," said Scolari.

"The speculation is normal because until 31st August there will be a lot of speculation."

Felipao Starts With A 'Comfertable' Win

Luiz Felipe Scolari took charge of his first match with Chelsea today in which Chelsea defeated their opponents Guangzhou Pharmaceutical by 4 goals... It was an easy day for the Premier League n Champions League runners up...

'Big Phill' opted for a 4-1-3-2 system n Kalou played upfront alongside Anelka who looked much happy playing at his preffered position.. Overall, the Blues dominated the opener of their five-game pre-season tour of Asia and Russia, with the only concern for Scolari seeing summer signing Jose Bosingwa substituted after 19 minutes with a thigh injury after a brief but impressive debut at right-back. Kalou scored the opening goal with a fine low finish in the 19th minute.




Scolari fielded a strong side from the start, with Deco making his debut in midfield alongside Lampard, who played the entire game. Joe Cole and Andriy Shevchenko were not included in the squad due to minor injuries and Didier Drogba did not even travel to China.

Lampard and Deco pulled shots wide in the opening minutes as Chelsea controlled the early stages with the Portugal international dominating midfield. The visitors opened the scoring when Mikel’s defence-splitting through-ball caught the home side flat-footed, allowing Kalou to ghost in unmarked to fire home.

Following five half-time changes, substitute Wayne Bridge saw his deflected shot hit the post before Lampard showed brilliant vision to double the lead by chipping Li Shuai from 30 yards, the Guangzhou goalkeeper only just outside his six-yard area.

It was a superb strike and underlined the England player’s value to Chelsea as talks continue over his future. After Lampard’s goal, half-time substitute Florent Malouda fired wide twice in quick succession before 19-year-old Argentine Franco Di Santo, a second-half substitute, struck the upright after weaving his way through on the edge of the area.

With 12 minutes remaining Frenchman Malouda broke down the left and pulled a low cross across the face of the goal for a sliding Di Santo to net in his first appearance for the club.

Another substitute, Shaun Wright-Phillips, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, then sealed the win in the dying moments with a shot on the turn from inside the area in the closing minutes.

It completed a gentle introduction for Scolari to life on the touchline with Chelsea. He said: 'It’s always good to win your first match, even though this one didn’t matter much. The team are relaxed, although we have some problems physically, but nothing we can’t sort out.'

Chelsea To Offer Frank A Bumper Deal

This morning, reports in Daily Telegraph claimed that Chelsea had offered the England international a 5 year contract worth £150,000-a-week which if he accepts it would make him Britain's highest-paid player..

Chelsea are hoping their lucrative offer will kill off the chances of former Blues manager Jose Mourinho luring Lampard to Inter Milan either this summer or next.

“sources at the club” are said to be confident that Lampard will sign the offered contract, that will keep him at Chelsea for the rest of his career.

And “a source at Stamford Bridge” has told the Daily Express: "The club are desperate to keep hold of Frank. They had talks with him just before the China tour which they hope will finally convince him to stay long term.



"I know Frank is very tempted by the offer as it means he could potentially see the rest of his career out at Chelsea, and there is every chance he could sign.

"However, a lot of bad feeling was created when details of the contract negotiations were being publicly discussed by the club and there are still some issues to iron out."

Essien fires back at Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed yesterday that the Blues had too many players in their 30s to achieve anything special during the upcoming season.

But Essien thinks that the experience of the senior compatriots in the team such as Lampard, Ballack n Deco would be more of an advantage..

“Players like Ballack, Lampard and Deco are world class,” the Ghanaian midfielder said in The Sun. “They can change a game in an instant.

“When you are working with them on a regular basis, you improve every day as a player and as a team.”

United will be defending two titles over the next 10 months after edging out Chelsea to claim both the Premier League and Champions League crowns last term.

Most would be expecting much of the same this time around. Essien, however – whether to rankle or through genuine belief – insisted that the previous campaign’s also-rans will instead be the Blues’ main challengers.

“I don’t think United will be our principal rivals,” he added. “Liverpool, Arsenal and a lot of other clubs are signing good players.”

Barca preparing Drogba bid

According to reports in Sports, the Blaugrana are going to step up their pursuit of the Ivory Cost hitman but the Sports claim that Blaugrana would have to pay Chelsea a fee of €25m if they were to sign Drogba...

Drogba has wanted to move away from Stamford Bridge since José Mourinho's departure last season and has already agreed that he would sign a three-year deal at Camp Nou.

After turning 30, Drogba wants to taste life in either the Spanish or Italian leagues and Pep Guardiola's interest has swayed him towards a move to la Primera.

Barça's interest could well see Mourinho move to make a bid for his former goalscorer, but he is still keen on prising Frank Lampard away and knows that talks over another Blues player could jeopardise that.

Now Drogba is believed to want to wrap up a deal quickly in order to avoid the saga becoming tiresome and will use his absence from Chelsea's tour of the Far East to leave the club.

Essien Ready For Competition

The Ghanaian international has established himself among the Premier League’s best players over the past couple of seasons with his dogged displays all over the pitch.

The departure of Claude Makelele to Paris Saint-Germain will likely see Essien battle with Jon Obi Mikel for the holding role in a star-studded midfield containing Deco, Michael Ballack and, until further notice, Frank Lampard.

But Essien, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyon in 2005, believes the added premium on starting places will only spur him to a new level of excellence.

“When the competition gets keener it brings out the best in all the players,” the 25-year-old said in The Sun.

“Last season we signed new players and people thought I could lose my place. But I fought and stayed to maintain my position.”