PSG sign Chelsea defender Alex

Alex made 72 Premier League starts for Chelsea

Chelsea defender Alex has completed his move to French club Paris St Germain, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The French Ligue 1 leaders have been tracking the 29-year-old Brazilian since he was placed on the transfer window last month and have snapped him up for around £4 million.

PSG sporting director Leonardo joined Alex in addressing the media in a press conference broadcast live by PSG TV on Friday evening.

"It was a good opportunity given his price and his desire to join PSG," PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference.

Alex joined Chelsea from Santos in 2004, having gained experience of the European game after a loan spell with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven from 2004 to 2007.

De Bruyne undergoing Chelsea medical

Kevin de Bruyne lifted the Belgian Pro League with Genk last season

Kevin De Bruyne appears on the verge of signing a deal with Chelsea amid reports the Genk star is undergoing a medical with the Premier League club.

It is claimed De Bruyne, 20, will pen a five-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea after a fee in the region of £7 million was agreed.

The Belgium international is then expected to be loaned back to Genk for the remainder of the season before joining up with the Blues in the summer.

A Genk spokesman is quoted by the Mirror as saying: "Dirk Degraen is in London and the expectation is that it (the transfer of De Bruyne) will be finished this week.

"The assumption is that Kevin de Bruyne will be transferred to Chelsea and then will finish the season (on loan) at Genk."

Attacking midfielder De Bruyne will become the third Belgian to join Chelsea in the last six months, following the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois last summer.

Andre Villas-Boas had earlier said that De Bruyne signing was down to the club.

"It is a target decided by the club," he said. "'He is a player the club have scouted for some time and I am a manager who respects club policy.

"A club have to look to the future whether it's with this manager or another. He's a good bet for the future. I will do everything in my power for him to reach maximum potential."

Chelsea transfer speculation: Lucas Moura bid set for summer transfer window

Lucas Moura Playing With Sao Paulo

Chelsea will wait until the summer before tabling a bid for Brazilian sensation Lucas Moura, according to reports in the British press.

The 19-year-old playmaker has already earned 10 caps for his country, and is gaining rave reviews for his performances with Sao Paulo in South America.

But, despite speculation over a move to Europe earlier in the month, Lucas is set to stay in his homeland until the summer at least - a point his agent Junior Pedroso highlighted earlier in the week.

And The Guardian claims Chelsea will wait until the end of the season before making a move for the teenager, although it's unlikely that Andre Villas-Boas will be willing to meet the player's £66.8 million minimum fee release clause at the Morumbi.

Pedroso did suggest that the Blues had already tabled a €35 million bid for Lucas, a claim which neither the west London outfit or Sao Paulo have confirmed.

Inter Milan have also been linked with a move, but the agent denied that an agreement to see his client move to Italy at the end of the season had already been agreed.

"There is nothing definite with Inter to sign Lucas for next season," Pedroso told FcInterNews.it.

"I can say that we've heard from people connected with the club over an offer from Chelsea for €35million."

Queens Park Rangers 0 - 1 Chelsea

Mata delivers Blues through FA Cup

Juan Mata Score penalty against QPR

Juan Mata's hotly-disputed penalty helped Chelsea secure a 1-0 victory in a tempestuous FA Cup fourth-round tie at west London rivals QPR.

A match that for an hour was completely devoid of the kind of flashpoints that marred October's Barclays Premier League meeting suddenly had one when Clint Hill was harshly adjudged to have bundled over Daniel Sturridge.

Mata stepped up to score the only goal of a game dominated by the reunion between Chelsea captain John Terry and Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, neither of whom put a foot wrong following what had been the most combustible of build-ups.

The match itself was always going to struggle to live up to the drama that preceded it, which culminated in full body searches for fans entering the ground and the cancellation of the traditional pre-match handshake.

The former was prompted after police last night confirmed they were investigating allegations Ferdinand had received "malicious communication", although they refused to reveal whether it contained a bullet.

Ferdinand and Terry were spared having to shake hands with each other after the Football Association agreed the clubs did not have to undertake the traditional pre-match ritual.

Ferdinand had reportedly been agonising over whether to accept Terry's hand four days before the court case begins in which the Chelsea and England captain stands accused of racially abusing his fellow defender.

Terry denies the charge, which relates to an altercation between the pair in October's league clash at Loftus Road.

But that did not prevent him being jeered every time he touched the ball today, while he was also the victim of numerous abusive taunts.

Chelsea fans refrained from using the notorious "Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are'' chant that they were warned would see them punished, although they did sing "Anton, what's the score?'' after the visitors took the lead.

Both sets of supporters cranked up the decibel level before kick-off but had little to cheer in a disappointing first half that saw only one shot on target.

That came after Mata, playing more centrally in the absence of Frank Lampard, pounced on a Luke Young slip in the 12th minute and unleashed a 15-yard drive too close to Paddy Kenny.

Otherwise, the final ball from both sides was sadly lacking, meaning a succession of speculative efforts that were well off target.

A fixture that had seen Chelsea reduced to nine men in October was also a more controlled affair and it was almost half an hour before Mike Dean brandished the first yellow card for a Shaun Wright-Phillips foul on Raul Meireles.

Ramires should have done better with great cutback opportunity after being released by a wonderful Mata backheel but neither side deserved to be ahead at half-time.

QPR threw on Federico Macheda for Heidar Helguson at the restart but it was Chelsea who flew out of the blocks, with Fitz Hall booked for handball before Sturridge lashed over after great work from Fernando Torres.

But the game really exploded into life on the hour mark.

Petr Cech parried a Wright-Phillips cross just too far in front of the outstretched foot of Jamie Mackie and Chelsea surged down the other end and won a penalty.

QPR were furious at the award but Mata shrugged off the jeers to score, the midfielder celebrating with most of his team-mates in front of the visiting fans. Terry was a notable absentee.

Ashley Cole was carded for fouling Wright-Phillips before Chelsea lost Ramires to a serious-looking injury.

The midfielder appeared to twist his ankle blocking a shot and - after several minutes' treatment - was carried off on a stretcher to be replaced by Oriol Romeu.

QPR had already thrown on Rob Hulse, who was denied a penalty in the dying minutes.

And there was a flashpoint deep into stoppage-time when Romeu was booked for diving in on Hulse, with Young almost snatching a draw when his 20-yard drive was parried by Cech.

Queens Park Rangers------Chelsea

7(3)	Shots (on Goal)	13(5)
11	Fouls	12
3	Corner Kicks	5
0	Offsides	3
43%	Time of Possession	57%
2	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
3	Saves	4

Villas-Boas hopeful over Ramires injury

Chelsea midfielder Ramires will be out for at least four weeks after suffering a medial knee ligament injury in the 1-0 FA Cup win over QPR on Saturday.

Ramires was injured midway though the second half as he blocked a shot from Clint Hill and went off on a stretcher.

Chelsea say the 24-year-old Brazilian will have an MRI scan on Sunday and manager Andre Villas-Boas says he hopes an operation will not be needed.

Ramires has played 25 times for Chelsea this season, scoring eight goals.

Saturday's game was won courtesy of Juan Mata's disputed penalty and QPR manager Mark Hughes was in no doubt that it was the wrong decision.

Clint Hill was adjudged to have fouled Daniel Sturridge but Hughes thinks the Chelsea man went down too easily.

"If Mike Dean watches it again he will see that Daniel Sturridge has gone down very easily and unfortunately the referee has given a foul," Hughes told BBC Sport.

"The referee will be disappointed with that decision because no way was it a penalty.

"We worked exceptionally hard, had good shape and good discipline. Unfortunately, the penalty came when we were having our best period in the game in an attacking sense and it really took the wind out of our sails."

Chelsea boss Villas-Boas refused to discuss the penalty incident, pointing out that his side should not have been reduced to nine men in the league game between the pair in October.

"It's very similar to David Luiz and (Heidar) Helguson here and nobody seemed to criticise anything," said Villas-Boas.

"We finished the game for the league here with nine men and (were) maybe treated unfairly. Maybe QPR this time got treated unfairly."

Villas-Boas: No Willian bid yet

Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed suggestions Chelsea have launched a bid for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian playmaker Willian.

Reports earlier this week suggested the Blues had made a £16 million offer for the 23-year-old, but Villas-Boas has crushed any talk of an offer - although he did not rule out an approach in future.

"I think he's an extremely interesting player but I don't think we are going to progress with our interest," he said. "Because of certain issues. From work permit to the player's valuation, I think our project next year is more important than the actual project at the moment.

"Not that Willian doesn't have the characteristics for the future, we are thinking a lot on what we can do next year. Clubs are asking for a lot of money, and not a lot of money is around in society and in football at the moment. The January market is always extra inflated and you have to take that into account."

Willian, capped two times by Brazil, would have been ineligible for this season's Champions League even if he did sign for Chelsea, as he has already featured in European competition for Shakhtar.

Meanwhile, Villas-Boas has revealed he is not taking an active part in the potential signing of Genk midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. "You have to speak to people at the club regarding that," he said. "Kevin is a player that is club policy, he's a player that is not within my immediate project, he's a player that the club has scouted for quite some time - I'm a manager that respects club policies as well.

"The club has to respect the future, whether it be with this manager or the next manager. Kevin is an extremely interesting player."

Chelsea move 'excites' Willian

William: Has two full Brazil caps

Willian Football Manager 2012 Attributes

Chelsea target Willian has indicated he would be interested in a move to the Premier League club, stating that the prospect of playing for a team which regularly wins silverware "excites" him.

Willian, an attacking midfielder who plays in Ukraine for Shakhtar Donetsk, has been tracked by Chelsea since last summer and earlier this month the club had a £16.6 million bid rejected.

And now the player, 23, has indicated he would be ready to move to London if the two clubs can agree a fee.

"Chelsea are known as one of the biggest and most successful clubs around," he told The Sun. "To play for them is a challenge I would accept and enjoy.

"If a deal doesn't go through, I'll understand. But I hope it happens. They have a culture of winning trophies and that excites me.

"I have friends in the Brazil side who play for Chelsea, like David [Luiz] and Ramires. All they talk about is the thrill of being in a city like London and playing for a club like Chelsea.

"I've known David since we played together in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about what Villas-Boas is trying to build at Chelsea. He and Ramires feel he wants a core of young players who can mature and grow together but also be successful.

"David says how the coach takes a real interest in all his players, how he can adapt different cultures together and bring the best out of them.

"I wouldn't have any fears about coming to England because I have played against English sides in the Champions League and studied the English game. To play in a league that is seen throughout the world would be good for my hopes of playing regularly for Brazil, especially with the World Cup at home in two years' time.

"That is my aim. I've worked hard for four years to establish myself in the national team. It has taken that long but now I feel I have a good relationship with the coach and I want to keep working hard, so I remain in the side.

"If the next step of the adventure is England, then I would be excited by that."

However, Chelsea may have to considerably up their offer if they are to land the former Corinthians player. But Shakhtar have indicated they could sell at the right price.

At the beginning of the week, Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin said: "We have no burning desire to sell the player, but in football some things are impossible to avoid.

'If it weren't for our good relationship with Chelsea - and Willian does not hide his intention to test himself in one of the best clubs in the English Premier League - we would insist on the £29 million release clause written into the player's contract.

"It is important to understand that we are talking about Chelsea's desire to buy Willian, but not Shakhtar's desire to sell him."

Lampard set to miss QPR clash

Frank Lampard gets treatment at Norwich

Frank Lampard is expected to miss Chelsea's FA Cup fourth round clash against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday after suffering a calf injury.

The England midfielder limped off in the first half of Chelsea's goalless draw with Norwich at the weekend, and he was later seen wearing heavy strapping on his left leg.

However, scans have shown that Lampard only suffered a small tear to his muscle and could be available for selection as early as next week.

A statement on Chelsea's official website confirmed that Lampard will join up with his Blues team-mates in Mallorca, where they are training this week.

Norwich City Vs Chelsea (0-0)

Torres fails as Lampard is crocked

Fernando Torres fired another blank as battling Norwich held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Carrow Road.

The Spain striker, who has not scored since October, endured another frustrating afternoon, denied in the first half by John Ruddy before then stabbing wide in front of goal from eight yards.

Norwich created several chances themselves, mostly through busy captain Grant Holt and went on to record a first clean sheet of the season as they continued their progress under Paul Lambert.

Chelsea had started well as they looked to make up ground on the top three who all play tomorrow.

The Canaries, though, created the first opening on seven minutes as Wales striker Steve Morison got away down the right and fed Anthony Pilkington, whose shot was parried by Petr Cech before Morison's follow-up was blocked by Ramires.

Norwich carved Chelsea apart again on 10 minutes when Morison slipped a ball inside for Holt, who slide past David Luiz before dragging a low shot just wide from the edge of the area.

The hosts remained dangerous on the counter, with the lively Pilkington curling an effort into the area which was headed clear before Morison smashed a long, cross-field ball from Holt into the side netting as the rain lashed down at Carrow Road.

Juan Mata danced down the Norwich left and chipped the ball through the penalty area, but it was too high for Daniel Sturridge.

Torres collected the ball on the edge of the Norwich area and turned Zak Whitbread before stabbing a shot with the outside of his boot towards the bottom left corner, which Ruddy turned away at full stretch.

Pilkington sent a deep cross from the right towards the far post, which was headed back by Holt, but Cech collected it under the bar.

There was a stoppage when Frank Lampard needed treatment for a calf injury.

The England midfielder eventually was helped off and replaced by Florent Malouda on 36 minutes - just after Bradley Johnson's deflected effort had almost wrong-footed Cech.

Ruddy was out to make a brave take as Torres looked to connect with a right-wing cross into the Norwich six-yard box.

It was end-to-end stuff as suddenly Holt got in space on the right and fired in an angled shot which Cech palmed away.

Mata weaved into the Norwich penalty area in first-half stoppage time, only to then fire over the bar.

Norwich began the second half with some purpose, as Pilkington smashed a cross through the Chelsea box and high into the Barclay Stand.

Chelsea slowly probed, with Luiz curling over from 20 yards after positive play from Malouda down the left.

On 58 minutes, Torres made space on the edge of the penalty area, only to then blaze the ball over.

The Spaniard then somehow managed to stab wide from eight yards after being set up by Jose Bosingwa.

Chelsea continued to press, as Mata's angled shot was saved at the near post by Ruddy.

Referee Mark Clattenburg then missed what appeared a clear handball by Raul Meireles on the edge of the Chelsea area when he charged down Holt's flick.

With 14 minutes left, Chelsea made a change as Torres was replaced by 18-year-old Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku - much to the delight of the home crowd.

Norwich made a double substitution when Simeon Jackson came on for Morison and Wales midfielder Andrew Crofts for David Fox, with Chelsea sending on Michael Essien for Meireles.

Ashley Cole drove an angled drive across goal and wide from 25 yards as the match entered the closing stages.

Norwich dug in to see out three minutes of stoppage time to record their first clean sheet of an impressive Premier League campaign.

Match Stat

Norwich City-----------------Chelsea

6(2)	Shots (on Goal)	20(6)
5	Fouls	6
1	Corner Kicks	11
0	Offsides	0
42%	Time of Possession	58%
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
6	Saves	2

Ancelotti: Chelsea must sell Drogba

Didier Drogba has scored 98 league goals for Chelsea, Fernando Torres just three

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea must sell Didier Drogba if they are to ensure Fernando Torres blossoms at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti, who is now in charge of Ligue 1 club PSG, was at the Chelsea helm when the club signed Torres for £50 million from Liverpool in January 2011.

The Spain international, 27, has struggled for form since the move, scoring just five goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.

Torres' poor form has led to suggestions Chelsea could cash in on the forward, and on Tuesday Ancelotti claimed his side PSG have been offered his services.

But Ancelotti believes current Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas' solution is to retain Torres and sell his strike partner Drogba, who turns 34 in March.

"Coaching Chelsea in the midst of a major generational change is complicated," Ancelotti is quoted as saying in the Express. "Look at Torres and his crisis. If you decide you are going to invest in him, you have to sell Drogba.

"Didier is like Pippo Inzaghi at Milan. He tends to swallow up all his competitors. It is not because they are evil, they are just like that."

Chelsea make Vorm approach?

Swansea director John van Zweden has claimed Manchester United and Chelsea have made enquiries about goakeeper Michel Vorm.

Dutch keeper Vorm has been one of the stars of the Premier League season, with his consistent excellence winning him many admirers.

Swansea paid just £1 million for his services from Dutch side Utrecht and could well cash-in for a sizeable profit.

Losing Vorm would represent a major blow for Swans boss Bredan Rodgers but with the club thought to be willing to accept a decent offer, the big boys appear to be circling.

"Clubs have enquired about Vorm," Van Zweden told VI Radio. "Manchester United have asked, in addition Chelsea and for that matter Newcastle United.

"Tottenham Hotspur have cautiously announced they are interested. It would be a nightmare for us if he left."

Manchester United shelled out a fee in the region of £18 million for David De Gea last summer, but he has not convinced and it would appear the reigning Premier League champions are considering other options - while Chelsea may well be planning for life after Petr Cech.

Tottenham have veteran Brad Friedel in goal at White Hart Lane, while Tim Krul has impressed for Newcastle and he too has been linked with a move.

Gary Cahill

Squad No: 21
Position: Defender
Age: 26
Birth Date: Dec 19, 1985
Birth Place: Sheffield
Height: 6' 2'' (1.88m)
Weight: 160 lbs (72.4 kg)










Cementing his reputation as one of the most promising centre-backs in the league, Cahill was first called up to the England squad for the game against Kazakhstan in June 2009 following the withdrawal of Rio Ferdinand and has gone on to become a key part of the squad.

Aston Villa handed him his first taste of the professional game in November 2004 when joining Championship side Burnley on loan for the remainder of the season. He was named Burnley's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year and the England Under-21 international was handed a Villa squad number for 2005-06.

He began to make his mark at Villa Park but fell out of favour under Martin O'Neill and was heavily linked with cross-city rivals Birmingham before plumping for a £5 million move to Bolton in January 2008, becoming a vital player for the Trotters and cementing his place in Fabio Capello's England squad.

With his contract running down in 2012, Cahill opted to move on and Bolton were keen to recoup a transfer fee by selling him in January. Chelsea swooped and he signed a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge for around £7 million.

Strengths: Committed and strong, Cahill is a no-nonsense defender who is good in the tackle and an aerial threat. He also boasts a decent turn of pace.

Weaknesses: Consistency has been a problem for the defender and his positioning has been exposed occasionally.

Career high: Named the Bolton Players' Player of the Year for 2008-09.

Career low: Failure to break through into the Villa first XI under Martin O'Neill left him in search of a move.

Style: Whole-hearted, powerful, a leader on the pitch.

Quotes: ''Mentally he is there, as well as physically and ability-wise. There is no doubt for me that he will really push himself into that England squad." Owen Coyle on Gary Cahill, June 2010.

Trivia: Cahill suffered a blood clot in his left arm after a training injury which forced him to pull out of the home game against Fulham on February 6, 2010 and kept him sidelined for months afterwards.

finally Cahill completes move to Chelsea

Bolton defender Gary Cahill: Done deal

Bolton and England defender Gary Cahill has completed his move to Chelsea.Bolton accepted an offer from Chelsea for the 26-year-old central defender before the transfer window opened, but protracted contract negotiations delayed the deal. Chelsea have not revealed the length of the contract.

Cahill, who has been given the No. 24 shirt, told the club's official website: "Chelsea is a massive club, it is a club that looks to win trophies season in season out and it is a big opportunity for me to be a part of that. Opportunities like this you can't turn down."

While on Bolton's website, he said: "This is the right move for me at the right time and I would like to thank everyone at Bolton because I've had a great four years at the football club.

"My spell with Wanderers has enabled me to break into the England squad, and I would particularly like to thank the fans for their support along the way.''

Newspaper reports suggest Cahill is set to earn £23 million in wages and bonuses over a suggested five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Cahill was said to have initially wanted £100,000-a-week from Chelsea, and the club were unwilling to meet his demands. But talks with Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay on Thursday are thought to have led to an agreement that will see Cahill take home around £80,000-a-week.

It is now expected that Cahill will be available for Chelsea's Premier League game against Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday, while he is eligible for the Blues FA Cup tie at Milton Keynes Dons or Queens Park Rangers having been left out of Bolton's FA Cup tie at Macclesfield earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Owen Coyle has confirmed Bolton are hoping to finalise a deal to sign USA international Tim Ream as Cahill's replacement.

"He is a player that we would love to bring to the football club and hopefully in the next few days that can come to fruition," he said.

Villas-Boas hopeful of Lampard stay

Frank Lampard has seen a reduction in playing time under Andre Villas-Boas

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas insists he and Frank Lampard enjoy a "fantastic" relationship and stated his desire to see the midfielder remain at the club in the long-term.

Lampard has been in and out of the Chelsea side since Villas-Boas took over as manager last summer. Villas-Boas was recently accused of blanking Lampard on the team bus following the midfielder's failure to join in a goal celebration with the Chelsea boss during last week's Premier League win at Wolves.

Villas-Boas, though, dismissed reports which suggest Lampard could leave the club in January, despite the England international being linked with Manchester United.

"We speak every day," Villas-Boas said. "Frank is a player who is not available at any price.

"First, he's not in and out in rotation. There is no such thing. We decide on an XI who are strong for any game and that can help us in the strategy to win the game.

"Every player wants to find that consistency and playing times. Frank, with the player he is and the history he represents, wants to be involved all the time, but every player is competing for a place.

"I've said the same all season, even when Frank had more playing time and others didn't. Everyone is fighting to be in it, and a player of Frank's level has a shorter distance to travel to be in the team than others."

Lampard has been dropped for all of Chelsea's big games recently but Villas-Boas insisted this did not mean his powers were on the wane.

"Players have different characteristics and your strategy depends on how you want to play the game," he said.

"Other players might be better placed in certain games, or players might be in better form than others.

We try different options at times, but Frank is the fifth or sixth most used player at Chelsea so he's involved all the time. We are speaking of two players ahead of him. One is a goalkeeper and the other is John Terry."

Part of Lampard's frustration stems from the knowledge the clock is ticking on his playing career. Villas-Boas refused to put a timescale on the midfielder's eventual departure, suggesting the player himself would know when the time was right.

"You have to respect players of this magnitude who have reached lots of success," he said.

"Players know more or less what the competition is around them and make the necessary judgments to see who is overtaking them. An up front relationship would see them inform the manager and we would make the best decision possible."

Blues confirm Alex offer

Alex: Handed in transfer request at Chelsea

Chelsea have confirmed they have received an offer for Brazilian defender Alex from a rival Premier League club, reported to be QPR.

New QPR boss Mark Hughes admitted on Wednesday that he was interested in signing players of the calibre of Alex, who handed in a transfer request last month, and Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas revealed a bid had been lodged for the centre-back.

"From what I know from my chief executive, there has been an approach from a Premier League club," Villas-Boas said. "It is a player who we have accepted a transfer request for, so we have to listen to offers.''

Chelsea are planning to replace Alex with Bolton's Gary Cahill, who they have struggled to agree personal terms with. Villas-Boas insisted he had set no deadline for a deal to be concluded, but was hopeful that would happen before the end of the week.

"Still an ongoing negotiation, not that we don't want it resolved as soon as possible,'' said Villas-Boas, who refused to criticise Cahill or his representatives over the player's wage demands. "I'm sure that all of the parties are protecting their interests.''

Meanwhile, Villas-Boas denied that Chelsea had made a reported £25 million bid for Lille star Eden Hazard but admitted he was a fan of the player.

The Blues boss confirmed Josh McEachran would go out on loan for the rest of the season - ostensibly to Swansea - after Saturday's game with Sunderland.

He also said Gael Kakuta's loan move to Dijon had not been concluded yet but expected it to happen "soon''.

The French club have announced the move on their website, but it is not yet finalised.

Cahill in line to face United

Gary Cahill: Chelsea contract talks continue

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has confirmed that Gary Cahill will play against Manchester United if the defender's protracted move to Chelsea is not completed by the weekend.

The Trotters have agreed a fee with Chelsea, reported to be around £7 million, for the transfer of Cahill, but personal terms have proved a stumbling block, with the England centre-back's wage demands on a five-year contract more than the Blues are willing to pay.

Newspaper reports on Thursday morning suggested that Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is becoming frustrated with the impasse and the deal could be called off if terms are not agreed by the end of the week.

If a deal is not struck by Saturday, Coyle will be happy to call on Cahill for the trip to Old Trafford.

"Dialogue continues between Gary's agent and Chelsea," Coyle said. "We accept it has probably been long-drawn. It is over two weeks ago that we agreed a fee. But sometimes that is the nature of football business. It can take that period of time.

"Gary is a Bolton player and until I hear something different in terms of negotiations being concluded between both parties, he will be in line to play against Manchester United."

Cahill only has six months left to run on his Bolton contract and it has been suggested that rival suitors have made their interest in the defender known. However, this is news to Coyle, who insisted Chelsea remain the only current option for Cahill.

"If other clubs are linked with him it is just speculation," he said. "We have agreed a fee with Chelsea. I have had no dialogue with any other club.

"We recognise it is the silly season but I don't deal in rumour. I only deal in fact. The fact is we have agreed a fee with Chelsea. We have not spoken to anyone else. That is where we are."

Coyle did not confirm USA international Tim Ream was coming in for a medical. However, having had the New York Red Bulls star on trial, he is a fan.

"You could reel off 30 or 40 names that we have been linked with. That is the nature of the transfer window," Coyle said. "Tim Ream is a player we had in. He has been at West Brom. They were very keen on him as well and Arsenal tried to sign him in the summer.

"He is an outstanding young player. A US international, 24, and no doubt destined for a very bright future. Whether anything transpires with Bolton time will tell."

Coyle also said goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had an outside chance of being fit for the Old Trafford trip, although he will not be taking any chances with the long-serving Finn.

"Jussi is responding to treatment with his thigh knock, although Saturday may just come too soon."

AVB open to two signings

Andre Villas-Boas says Chelsea could bring in two players this month

Andre Villas-Boas says Chelsea are considering bringing two players in during the transfer window but are wary of January signings.

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Manchester City, and have already allowed Nicolas Anelka to leave the club this month, with Alex set to follow.

The Blues have made central defence a priority, and have already agreed a fee with Bolton for Gary Cahill, but Villas-Boas has confirmed he would be open to signing another player to strengthen another area of the field.

"Apart from a central defender, we might get one more player in, but we're not sure yet," Villas-Boas said. "It's always difficult. The top talent is normally cup-tied in the Champions League or in different domestic competitions and it's difficult for the selling club to make players available.

"It's normal that you struggle in the transfer market. Normally it's a market where you overpay a lot and that's what we don't want to do now. That's why we have set out not to do a lot in the transfer window."

Meanwhile, winger Florent Malouda - who has been linked with a move to Paris St Germain this month - has rejected the idea Chelsea are in a transitional period.

"I don't like this expression of transition," he said. "When you play for Chelsea there is no transition because everyone expects the best from the squad we've got. There is a lot of talent and ambition.

"When you sign for the club, it doesn't matter who the players or manager are - all you expect is to win trophies. There is a mentality here. I think that's what the fans expect from us as well. We should not look at all the changes as an excuse. We must contend to win trophies year after year.

"The newer players have settled very well in the team. Everyone is focused on the club objectives and are sad when we don't have the results we expect. We're always trying to turn things around and we know how fast things can change.

"We know when we don't have results, doubts are coming from the outside so we have to stay strong as a squad to be able to compete for trophies. We have to go for it."

Swans closing on McEachran deal

Josh McEachran: Tipped for the top

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers says that he expects to secure the loan signing of midfielder Josh McEachran from Chelsea in the 'next few days'.

McEachran, 18, has seen his first-team opportunities limited this season and will move away on loan for the second half of the season. The highly-rated youngster has been attracting the attention of Bolton, but Chelsea's former youth team manager Rodgers used his relationship with the Blues to push the deal through.

"Hopefully we can get that agreement confirmed in the next 24-48 hours. We've obviously made an enquiry," Rodgers told talkSPORT. "Josh is a boy I know well so we'll see if we can organise the move over the next few days.

"He'll be brilliant for the Swansea supporters and they'll get to witness one of the best talents this country's got. He's a player who sees passes from the sky. He's an incredible passer of the ball and I know the England set-up have very high hopes for him as well.

"He's a kid who can create chances and has wonderful vision on the ball, he fits perfectly into our team. I've got a really talented group of players at this level and he'll come into the squad and add to that for the second part of the season."

Guangzhou play down Drogba interest

Didier Drogba could be on his way out of Chelsea.

China's Guangzhou Evergrande have played down their interest in Chelsea striker Didier Drogba after claiming that they have not been in contact with the Ivorian.

Guangzhou were believed to be lining up an astonishing $625,000 a week deal for Drogba, according to Tuesday's China Daily, but the defending national champions have moved to end speculation over a bold transfer swoop.

"We have (had) no contact with Drogba whatsoever, nor... authorised anyone to contact him," the club said on its official website. "The recent Drogba reports are pure speculation, he is not in our plans."

Chinese rivals Shanghai Shenhua are now in pole position after bringing in Drogba's Chelsea striking partner Nicola Anelka last month. Shanghai director Zhou Jun was quoted as saying: "We will wait for Guangzhou for 10 days... if they do not act, we will."

Drogba, 33, is entering the last six months of his current contract with Chelsea and will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

Ramires: We must win a trophy

Ramires has scored eight goals this season

Chelsea midfielder Ramires believes winning at least one trophy is a minimum requirement this season.

Ramires has targeted victory in at least one of the available competitions after the Blues endured a topsy-turvy start to the season under new manager Andre Villas-Boas. Chelsea currently lie 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, but also have the Champions League and the FA Cup to fight for this season.

"Everybody is trying to get better all the time and with the new manager, that's what we're aiming for, Ramires is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"We will try to win all of the trophies. The minimum is one trophy. You must have that, but we are going to work hard for all three."

The 24-year-old also suggested that although the squad had not significantly changed under Villas-Boas, there was a new philosophy starting to take effect at Stamford Bridge.

"The players are the same. I don't think the team is better but there is an aim," he said.

"The priority for [previous boss Carlo] Ancelotti was more to defend and Villas-Boas is more forward-looking, more to attack. It's the Portuguese style."

Essien makes reserves appearance

Michael Essien in action against West Brom reserves

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien made his comeback from a serious knee injury on Monday, featuring for the first time in six months in a reserve match with West Brom.

Essien featured for 75 minutes of the game, which Chelsea lost 3-2.

The report on the official Chelsea website read: "It was a comfortable outing for Essien and was another step in his rehabilitation. He is not yet working with the first team and is expected to be back training with the squad towards the end of the month."

The 29-year-old suffered a third serious knee injury in July, undergoing surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during pre-season training.

Essien's return to fitness came too late for him to make the Ghana squad for the African Nations Cup, which begins on January 21.

Agent: No Chelsea contact over Hulk

Hulk has played for Brazil on six occasions

Hulk's agent has insisted there has been no contact from Chelsea regarding the potential signing of the Porto striker.

Hulk, 25, has long-been linked with a move to Chelsea and that speculation has intensified since manager Andre Villas-Boas made the move from Porto to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

The re-opening of the transfer window has sparked further conjecture the Blues could firm up their reported interest in the Brazil international, although his €100 million buy-out clause is likely to threaten any deal.

Regardless, Hulk's agent, Teodoro Fonseca, told O Jogo: "The player isn't preparing to leave Porto because he is happy at the club. I have not spoken to anybody from Chelsea. Villas-Boas knows the footballer and Porto well.

"Every day I receive calls from agents but the only serious offers we have received were three last season, offering him a better salary than at Porto.

"But Hulk rejected them because of sporting motives. He is not just interested in money but challenges on the pitch. I admit Hulk can't stay at Porto forever. That is football and at the moment the clause in his deal is decisive."

Chelsea 4 - 0 Portsmouth FA cup 4th round

Florent Malouda celebrates with Juan Mata, scorer of the opening goal for Chelsea against Portsmouth.

Chelsea's flurry of late goals secured a comfortable 4-0 FA Cup third-round victory against Portsmouth.

The west Londoners never looked in any real danger of coming a cropper at Stamford Bridge as they netted four times in the second period.

Chelsea only had a Fernando Torres header to show from the first-half exertions as the 2008 winner proved tough opponents.

However, three minutes into the second half Juan Mata directed home a Florent Malouda cross to give Andre Villas-Boas' side the lead. Portsmouth poured forward in search of the equaliser, which would have come in the 53rd minute was it not for last-ditch defending from Petr Cech and John Terry.

However, that was as close as the npower Championship side came as Chelsea's superior class proved evident as Ramires grabbed a late brace and Frank Lampard scored deep into stoppage time.

Villas-Boas named a strong-looking Chelsea line-up for the game, with Malouda the only change to the side that beat Wolves on Monday.

Portsmouth made three alterations for the Stamford Bridge encounter, with Joel Ward and Greg Halford back from suspension and Ricardo Rocha returning from a calf injury.

Many wrote off Michael Appleton's side before the match but they came close to breaking the deadlock after just 29 seconds, with Dave Kitson finding space to fire a shot across the face of goal.

The effort spurred Chelsea into life, but they struggled to make their early dominance count, with several moves breaking down before they could get away a shot. Torres saw half-hearted appeals for a penalty turned down after a challenge by Jason Pearce during the opening 10 minutes, but came close to scoring soon after.

Malouda, who looked bright in the opening exchanges, fired in a left-wing cross that was met by the Spain international, although Stephen Henderson managed to parry wide the goalbound effort. Aaron Mokoena saw a header of his own come close at the other end as Portsmouth looked for a breakthrough, before Mata blazed over when the home side returned to the attack.

Chelsea were enjoying the lion's share of possession at Stamford Bridge but looked devoid of ideas going forward. The home side were reduced to audacious efforts as a result, including a long-range Ramires drive, before a misplaced pass allowed David Norris to get away a low 20-yard drive at the other end.

Henderson then thwarted an onrushing Lampard, before referee Anthony Taylor called time on a largely uneventful first half. Villas-Boas looked frustrated with Chelsea's performance but his half-time pep talk had the desired effect as his side broke the deadlock 130 seconds after the restart.

With Pompey appealing for a handball against Ashley Cole, the Blues took advantage as Malouda darted down the left flank and pulled back from the byline for Mata to turn in the effort from six yards. Portsmouth pushed forward in response to going behind as first captain Liam Lawrence curled a 20-yard free-kick agonisingly wide in the 50th minute, before three chances went begging during a penalty-box melee three minutes later.

Marko Futacs saw a low effort stopped by the legs of Cech, before Ward's header was cleared off the line by Terry and then Cech stopped Futacs' second attempt. Appleton's side smelt blood and pushed forward in numbers, although that attacking intent left gaping holes at the back.

Lampard had a shot blocked as he looked to extend Chelsea's advantage, before Henderson stopped a diving Ramires header. Portsmouth were becoming increasingly desperate as the half wore on, with Pearce heading over a Lawrence corner before the latter then blazed over wildly.

The south coast side continued to press forward as the match came to a close, but Chelsea's victory was confirmed when Ramires tapped home from close range in the 85th minute. Mata's cross was headed goalwards by Torres and the Brazil international reacted quickly to poke home the loose ball.

Two minutes later Ramires netted his second of the afternoon, latching onto a Torres ball through the middle before superbly flicking past Henderson. Portsmouth's collapse was completed in stoppage time as Lampard found space in the box to fire home the west Londoners' fourth.

Blues linked with Standard defender

Chelsea are said to be close to completing the signing defender Kenneth Omeruo from Standard Liege.

The Blues are set to tie up the signing of Nigeria Under-20 international Omeruo, 18, and would then loan him to Dutch club ADO Den Haag.

"I hope all the paperwork is in place soon so he can join our squad," ADO Den Haag coach Maurice Steijn told Omroep West.

Chelsea are apparently intending to loan the centre-back to Den Haag until the end of the 2012-13 season.

Hamsik could consider top clubs

Marek Hamsik is said to have attracted interest from a number of Europe's elite clubs

Napoli star Marek Hamsik would welcome a move to Barcelona, Chelsea or Real Madrid, according to the player's agent.

Hamsik has been one of the leading stars for Napoli this season and the club are currently working on an extension to his contract.

However, Hamsik had told a newspaper in his native Slovakia in the summer that he would have been keen on a move to AC Milan, and agent Mino Raiola has now refused to rule out an exit.

"If Napoli were to receive an offer from Barcelona, Chelsea or Real Madrid, then it would be logical to accept," he told Radio CRC.

Hamsik said earlier in the week that he was not seeking a move away from Naples.

"I'm fine," Hamsik told Italia 1. "I am very happy in Napoli. Every player plays to win - I have not won anything yet and I miss it - but Napoli are doing everything possible to win something."

Napoli face Chelsea in the Champions League knockout rounds after finishing ahead of Manchester City and Villarreal in the group stage and Hamsik added: "We didn't expect to pass the group of death. Now we have to face Chelsea, who are a very strong team with great players, but we want to continue to amaze."

Fergie rejects report Lampard to United

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed speculation linking him with a shock swoop for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard in the January transfer window.

A report in Friday's Daily Mail claimed that Ferguson is a long-term admirer of Lampard and that he was lining up a surprise move for the Blues veteran. It also suggested Lampard would welcome such a move as he is unsettled at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson has made unexpected signings before, not least his acquisition of former Liverpool striker Michael Owen in 2009, but the Scot moved quickly to quash the Lampard link.

"Do you really think Chelsea would sell to United in January?" Ferguson said. "There's no foundation in that. Chelsea want to do something in the second half of the season so they want to keep their best players."

Lampard, 33, has been out of favour this season at Stamford Bridge under manager Andre Villas-Boas, starting just five of the past ten games and failing to play any part as an unused substitute in crucial matches against Tottenham and Valencia.

The England international has been linked with a move away from the Blues in recent weeks, and a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid has previously been touted.

However, Lampard remains Chelsea's second top scorer this season and insisted on Wednesday that he wanted to stay at Stamford Bridge.

"I'll always be completely committed to Chelsea because they're my club and I love playing for them," he said.

Meanwhile, United boss Ferguson maintained his unwillingness to dip into the January transfer market, despite his side suffering two successive defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle.

"What can you get in January?" Ferguson said. "The players we'd like, we can't get. If the alternative is to sign a second-rate player, we don't want to do that.

"Our injuries have led to fans wanting us to sign someone but I don't want to sign a player who won't get a game when everyone's fit because he's not good enough."

De Bruyne hopeful on Chelsea

Kevin de Bruyne lifted the Belgian Pro League with Genk last season

Kevin de Bruyne claims he still remains in Chelsea's plans despite failing to secure a move to Stamford Bridge last summer.

The winger looked set to move to the Premier League, but Chelsea pulled out of the deal, refusing to meet Genk's £8 million valuation.

But De Bruyne, who impressed at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea played Genk in the Champions League knockout stages earlier this season, has pleaded for Andre Villas-Boas to revive negotiations, admitting he has no intention of staying in Belgium beyond the end of the season.

"Chelsea are still interested in me and already have a plan in place for me," De Bruyne was quoted as saying in the Sun. "Staying at Genk for another season is not an option for me.

"Chelsea were serious about signing me but maybe Genk's asking price was too high."

Lampard insist his blood's colour is blue

Frank Lampard has been a substitute for much of Andre Villas-Boas' Chelsea reign

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has reassured fans he is committed to the Blues in the wake of reports he has fallen out with manager Andre Villas-Boas.
The Sun suggested on Tuesday that Villas-Boas did not say a word to Lampard all evening after his winner against Wolves on Monday, fuelling speculation of a rift between the pair.

Lampard has found himself in the unfamiliar position of not being an automatic first-team selection this season, with Villas-Boas preferring to utilise younger players in midfield.

But the England midfielder is still Chelsea's second top scorer, having contributed eight Premier League goals this season - and he feels he has plenty to offer the club in future.

"I'll always be completely committed to Chelsea because they're my club and I love playing for them," Lampard said. "I like to play 90 minutes and can't hide that - and I don't think the manager would expect anything else.

"He's the boss and he picks the team but I've been here many years as part of a successful team. It's much easier for me when I'm starting games and playing regular matches to get into a rhythm.

"When I play I feel I can do things, like I did at Wolves. And when I can do that, then I'll smile more."

Terry Fully support Villas-Boas

John Terry insists he is right behind Andre Villas-Boas

Chelsea captain John Terry insists he is fully behind manager Andre Villas-Boas and has rejected reports of unrest behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas arrived from Europa League winners Porto this summer with a reputation as one of the brightest young managers in the game but a turbulent start to his Chelsea reign has seen him already write off his chances of winning the Premier League title.

There have been reports that the senior players at Chelsea have become unhappy with the manager's tactics, and both Nicolas Anelka and Alex demanded transfers.

Rumours of acrimony between Terry and Villas-Boas were fuelled when Terry appeared reluctant to celebrate with Villas-Boas and the rest of the team following Ramires' opener at Molineux, where they beat Wolves 2-1 to move into fourth position.

Terry denies he snubbed the chance to join in the show of unity, however, and insists he has no problem with his manager. "I want to make it clear I'm 100% behind the manager,'' Terry told the London Evening Standard. "There are no problems behind the scenes

"The manager has made it clear the players who want to stay here will be here and the ones who don't can move on. I have seen on the news today that people are saying I didn't celebrate with the manager for the first goal against Wolves but I did.

"I ran over there and I was worried that Wolves were about to restart and take the kick-off and catch us on the break while we were celebrating. I had a quick celebration with him then after the game as well.''

Terry thinks rumours of dressing room unrest have come as a result of the poor run of form which has seen Chelsea win just once in their last five Premier League games. "From a results point of view we have been giving people an opportunity to write stuff. People tend to look at it a lot deeper than it is,'' he added.

"At the same time we need to be winning a lot more which I'm confident we will do. First and foremost, the club is a lot bigger than any of us and will come before any of us from now into the future. He has come in and changed a lot of things at the football club, not only on the football pitch but on the training ground as well.

"The one thing when he spoke to the players about Nico and Alex is that they had spoken to other clubs and going forward he said that he doesn't want players involved in the first team who are out there speaking to other clubs because they weren't thinking of Chelsea first and foremost.

"Roman [Abramovich] is fully behind him, the club as well, and he is making these changes, not for the short term but for the long term as well. He is going to be the man in charge and we all have to respect his decisions. He has been very up front with all of us so we can't argue with what he's done.''