Chelsea

Newcastle seal £6.5m Parker deal
Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker on a five-year deal. They have paid £6.5m for the 24-year-old England international. "As soon as Chelsea made it clear they were prepared to let me leave, I was keen on this move," Parker told Newcastle's official website. "I've played here a few times. I know how big the club is. I was impressed with the manager Graeme Souness. He's a major factor behind my decision." Parker admitted he had been frustrated during his stay at Chelsea, who he joined for £10m from Charlton in January 2004. "I was a key figure at Charlton and playing every week, and then all of a sudden at Chelsea I wasn't a regular and had to get used to being on the sidelines. "But that has made me a stronger person and I don't leave Chelsea believing that I have failed. "I have learned a lot there and developed as a player and I'm confident you will see that at Newcastle next season." Parker said his experiences at Stamford Bridge had made him hungry for first team football - and success. "I have a desire to win things and I feel that at Newcastle I can do that," he said. "The manager has given me a huge lift, I feel wanted again and I know I can do a good job here." Souness said he had long been an admirer of the midfielder. "At Chelsea, things conspired against him because he is more than good enough to hold down a regular place in that team," he said. "But football is all about opinions as well and their manager and the people there felt that they could let him go. "We are delighted that we have got him because he is going to be a top player here for a very long time." Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd said Parker had been the club's main target for some time. "He is our first signing of the summer and will be a valuable addition to our squad," he told Newcastle's website. "He is still young but has a lot of experience and we welcome him to Newcastle and look forward to seeing him in a black and white shirt." Everton dropped out of the race to sign Parker, leaving the path clear for Newcastle to move in. The club are thought to be ready to match Parker's reported weekly wage of £55,000 at Stamford Bridge. Everton had also targeted Parker but lost out - and Souness is also confident of beating the Toffees to land Inter Milan's Emre Belozoglu. Newcastle believe they are close to a deal for the Turkish midfield man.

Chelsea will not fight Cole fine
Chelsea have decided not to appeal against their punishment for their part in the Ashley Cole tapping scandal. But the Premiership champions have promised their full backing to manager Jose Mourinho to appeal against his £200,000 fine. The Premier League found Chelsea guilty of breaching rules in talking to the England and Arsenal defender. Chelsea were fined £300,000 and also handed a suspended three-point deduction by the Premier League. A spokesman confirmed the reasons why the club was backing Mourinho. "Chelsea believes Jose should not have been charged separately as this did not happen in previous cases of a similar nature," he said. "Both Jose and the club also believe that the sanctions against him were disproportionate to the alleged offence." Cole was also fined £100,000 and all three parties were given 14 days to appeal. Cole's agent Joanathan Barnett immediately lodged an appeal to clear his client's name.

Stuttgart demand Hleb decision
VfB Stuttgart have told midfielder Aleksander Hleb to make up his mind whether he wants to stay with the club. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Stuttgart's 24-year-old Belarus midfielder. A Stuttgart spokesman told BBC Sport: "In the next of couple of days we'll tell him that he has to decide whether he stays or whether he wants to leave. "We haven't had any official offer for him," the spokesman added, when asked if Chelsea or Arsenal had bid for Hleb. Hleb has scored 13 goals in 137 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart, and has won 10 senior caps for Belarus. The midfielder has three years left on his deal with the Bundesliga club. Earlier this week Hleb's agent insisted both Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in signing the Belarus midfielder. "Chelsea are also genuinely interested, however Arsenal have priority as Arsene Wenger has been dreaming of having Alexsander in his team for two years now," said his representative Nikolai Spilevski.

Kezman turns down Benfica switch
Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman has turned down the chance to join Benfica. The 26-year-old Serbia & Montenegro star struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge last season after joining from PSV Eindhoven for £5m. He was offered a fresh start by the Portuguese giants, who have a new coach in former Holland star Ronald Koeman. But Kezman said: "I have respect for Koeman and Benfica, but they and the Portuguese league are not options for me. One day in the future but not now." The former Partizan Belgrade star arrived in England last summer with the reputation of a lethal goalscorer. His statistics at PSV backed that up - he netted a remarkable 105 goals in 123 Dutch league games. But with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho preferring one central striker, Kezman found it difficult to dislodge Didier Drogba. He managed only seven goals in 41 appearances, most of which were as a substitute, and spoke out at the end of last season. "I didn't come to London to walk the streets and spend money," he said. "I'm the victim of tactics - I didn't get a real chance."

Obi makes plea for Chelsea switch
Nigerian prodigy John Mikel Obi wants Fifa to cancel the contract he signed with Manchester United so he can join Premiership champions Chelsea. United and Chelsea are waiting for Fifa to rule over the Old Trafford club's complaint regarding Obi's transfer. Obi is particularly unhappy with the role played by Lyn technical director Morgan Andersen in transfer. "Andersen knows Chelsea are responsible for me, but he doesn't want to tell the truth," Obi told the Daily Mail. United announced Obi's £4m transfer on 29 April after he scored twice on his Lyn debut. But Obi then changed his mind and claimed he wanted to join Chelsea. Obi trained with United as a 16-year-old, but in the last two years the Nigerian has spent time with Chelsea. "I went to Manchester United, they said they wanted to sign me but it didn't come up because what they promised, they did not fufil. "But everything was fine with Chelsea, I was really happy to move to Chelsea and that's where it's been deep down inside me for the past two years. "All my heart and my mind was to play with Chelsea - because the coach likes me, the people there like me, the players - the big boys - they all like me. Last week Fifa refused to reveal when it would make a decision on Obi's transfer. "We've no comment on how long a ruling will take," a Fifa spokesman told BBC Sport. "Fifa has several hundred transfer dispute cases pending." According to Lyn lawyer Erik Nadheim, the Norwegian club and United sent a complaint to Fifa on Chelsea and two agents involved in the deal, John Shittu and Rune Hauge. Hauge has said that First Division Lyn do not have the right to sell Obi. Lyn believe they have a valid contract with Obi, which runs until the end of 2006. Obi added: "Everything is with Fifa now. I just want them to take decisions for me. But I have to make my own final decision. "I just want them to sort things out for me because everyone just wants to get money for themselves and I don't think that's nice."

Crespo unsure over Milan future
On-loan AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo has voiced concerns over his future as he seeks a move away from Chelsea. Crespo's hopes of another one-year loan deal may have been jeopardised by the two clubs' failure to agree a fee for Milan's Kakha Kaladze to go to Chelsea. Crespo told Milan's website: "I will speak with Chelsea, it's the last card I can play if I want to stay at Milan." Meanwhile Milan will open talks with Parma over striker Alberto Gilardino, who had been linked to Chelsea. Crespo is reluctant to return to Chelsea after a disappointing spell in the Premiership with the Blues. The Argentine striker enjoyed a new lease of life at the San Siro, scoring 18 goals in a season that led to them finishing as runners-up in the Champions League to Liverpool and to Juventus in Serie A. His impressive performances with the Rossoneri earned him a recall to Argentina's national team and he scored twice in a 3-1 World Cup qualifier against Brazil. He added: "It's difficult to discuss the future when I still don't know what will be my desitnation. Until 30 June I'm a Milan player and I hope I am after that date. Milan's interest in Gilardino could affect Crespo's future "I don't really know if my transfer is related to that of Kaladze but I want to find out if that is the case and what my situation is. "A year ago I considered hanging up my boots until I arrived at Milan, so I know who I have to thank for what I have today. "The Rossoneri club, the doctors are responsible for my return to being a footballer. I have shown to the world that I am a Milan player." Talks for the highly-rated Italy international striker Gilardino, who finished as the second-highest scorer in Serie A for the second successive season, were put on hold while Parma were involved in the relegation play-offs. Gilardino's stock rose as he scored the winning goal to keep Parma in Serie A. Milan vice-president Paolo Berlusconi told the club's website: "Up to two days ago Gilardino was involved with Parma in the relegation games but now we can get to work."

Lyon warn Chelsea over Essien fee
French side Lyon have told Chelsea they must increase their £16.75m bid for Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien if they want to sign him. Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted that Chelsea are desperate to capture the 22-year-old this summer. "Chelsea, who are the only club openly interested in Essien, are putting quite strong pressure on us but we are going to do all we can to keep him," he said. "We have refused a bid of £16.75m as Essien is worth much, much more." Essien has been a revelation for the French champions since signing from Bastia two years ago and Aulas believes he is established as one of Europe's finest footballers. He added: "He is a jewel and one of the best players in Europe. That's why Chelsea are so interested in him but they must put in a price that is worth the best European players. "I saw that Chelsea had made interesting offers to other players, who are playing with teams on an equal level with Lyon. "For now, Mickael stays with us, his heart is with Lyon, he wants to stay and we hope he will be with us next season." Meanwhile, Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has revealed that he rejected an approach from Chelsea. The Cameroonian will instead sign a new contract at the Nou Camp and he said: "I had an offer from Chelsea but I was always clear I wanted to stay at Barca. "The most important thing is not money. My wife put her foot down over the idea of going to a city like London and I have to respect her for that." Barca president Joan Laporta said: "For me, he is the world's best striker."

Mourinho moves for teenager Elmer
Chelsea are set to clinch the signature of rising Swiss star Jonas Elmer from Grasshopper Zurich. The 17-year-old left-sided player was due to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday before agreeing personal terms on the switch. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is impressed by Elmer's potential after his emergence in Switzerland. And he is keen to add youth to Chelsea's squad as well bring in expensive new signings. Elmer, who will join the Blues on a three-year deal, is a highly-rated Switzerland under-17 international and was spotted by Chelsea scout Gwyn Williams during a scouting trip to watch a Spanish player. He will join the Londoners as part of the reserve team set-up and continue his education while with Chelsea. Although the Premiership champions have the funds of owner Roman Abramovich at their disposal, Mourinho has told the club he also wants to bring the world's best young talent to Stamford Bridge and Elmer represents the first move in this direction. That policy will be strengthened yet further when Chelsea finally agree a compensation package for Tottenham's suspended sporting director Frank Arnesen. Talks between to the two clubs are still continuing and may now revolve around the sale of reserve team striker Carlton Cole to Spurs as part of the settlement. Switzerland is fast becoming a top hunting ground for English clubs with Arnesen having brought Reto Ziegler to Spurs last year and Arsenal ready to give Philippe Senderos a new deal at Highbury.

Chelsea complete Del Horno switch
Chelsea have completed the signing of Spain left-back Asier del Horno for £8m from Athletic Bilbao. The 24-year-old defender has agreed a three-year deal and will officially become a Blues player on 1 July. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Del Horno would be a big asset in the club's pursuit of major honours. "Asier is an outstanding international player who will add quality to the squad in a position we needed to strengthen," said Mourinho. Chelsea have been keen to boost their options on the left side of defence. When England international Wayne Bridge suffered a double fracture of his left ankle in February, William Gallas was forced to play out of position. Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon told the club's website: "Jose identified his target to fill the left-back position and we're delighted Asier has chosen to come to Chelsea. "The arrival of Asier signifies Chelsea's desire to strengthen the squad in key positions following a hugely successful season and we all look forward to seeing Asier in the blue of Chelsea in July." Del Horno, who came through the ranks at Bilbao, made his debut for Spain last September in a friendly against Scotland and scored the winner against England in November.

AC Milan warn Blues on Shevchenko
AC Milan have told Chelsea that Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko is not for sale at any price. Chelsea reportedly offered £48.9m for the 29-year-old Ukrainian, but Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani rejected the offer. "Andriy Shevchenko is incredible," Galliani told the AC Milan website. "We've been asked to name our price but answered he was beyond any price and out of the market. He has four years to run on his contract - he'll stay." Over the last month Chelsea have been involved in discussions over transfers involving Hernan Crespo and Georgian left-back Kakha Kaladze. Milan are keen to keep Crespo, who played on loan at the Italian club last season, though Kaladze's move looks in doubt after Chelsea signed Athletic Bilbao defender Asier del Horno. "As for Crespo and Kaladze there is a difference," said Galliani. "With regards Kaladze there is some distance between the asking price and the offer while Crespo, that will come clear in the next few hours on what Chelsea want to do." Argentine forward Crespo is reluctant to return to Chelsea after a disappointing spell in the Premiership with the Blues. Crespo enjoyed a new lease of life in Italy, scoring 18 goals in a season that saw them finish as runners-up in the Champions League to Liverpool and to Juventus in Serie A. His impressive performances with the Rossoneri earned him a recall to Argentina's national team and he scored twice in a 3-1 World Cup qualifier against Brazil. He added: "It's difficult to discuss the future when I still don't know what will be my desitnation. Until 30 June I'm a Milan player and I hope I am after that date. "I don't really know if my transfer is related to that of Kaladze but I want to find out if that is the case and what my situation is. "A year ago I considered hanging up my boots until I arrived at Milan, so I know who I have to thank for what I have today. Gilardino could be priced out of a move away from Parma "The Rossoneri club, the doctors are responsible for my return to being a footballer. I have shown to the world that I am a Milan player." Meanwhile, Milan have opened talks with Parma over Italian international striker Alberto Gilardino, but say the asking price is way too high. Galliani said: "Gilardino wants to come to Milan and we want him here, but there is a great difference between bid and offer." Gilardino, whose goal in the Serie A relegation play-off against Bologna helped Parma stay up, was the league's second highest scorer with 23 goals and had also been linked with a move to Chelsea.

Veron deal ends stint at Chelsea
Inter Milan have signed Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron from Chelsea on a two-year loan deal. Veron, 30, is out of contract with Chelsea in June 2007 and so the £15m signing has effectively ended his association with the Blues. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Inter, making more than 30 appearances for the Italian club. "We are very satisfied with how the negotiations concluded," said Inter technical director Marco Branca. "Keeping Veron at Inter was the objective of the club, coach Roberto Mancini and the player himself." "He had for some time expressed his wish to continue with us." A statement on the Chelsea website said: "The Chelsea midfielder's deal restarts on 1 July, subject to the completion of final paperwork." Veron joined Chelsea from Manchester United in 2003 but has played only 15 games for the club.

Kezman off to Madrid, says agent
Mateja Kezman's agent says the Chelsea striker could become an Atletico Madrid player within the next seven days. The 26-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea for £5m last summer, wants to leave because he is frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities. The Serbo-Montenegrin's agent, Vlado Lemeic, says the former PSV Eindhoven frontman is keen to join Atletico and expects a final decision shortly. "They are a big club, although results haven't been good lately," said Lemeic. "The most important thing now is for the two clubs to come to an agreement about a fee. "I don't think that Kezman's signing for Atletico is going to be a long-term question. I think that next week we are going to have a definitive 'yes' or 'no'."

Spurs & Chelsea in Arnesen deal
Tottenham have accepted a "significant" cash settlement from Chelsea that allows sporting director Frank Arnesen to move to Stamford Bridge. Spurs had threatened to report the Premiership champions for an illegal approach unless they received a suitable offer by 1200 BST on Friday. But the White Hart Lane club finally confirmed they had reached an agreement "in principle" at 2254 BST. The terms are confidential but a figure of between £8m-£10m has been suggested. Chelsea are understood to have been ready to offer defenders Robert Huth and Glen Johnson as part of a financial package aimed at dissuading Spurs from lodging a complaint. However, Spurs were not prepared to accept any players who did not serve the best interests of the club. Chairman Daniel Levy had insisted that only a "fair settlement" would be acceptable and it is understood Chelsea's significant offer met with his high expectations. Arneson, formerly with PSV Eindhoven, arrived at White Hart Lane in May 2004, replacing David Pleat as director of football to oversee a new continental-style arrangement with Jacques Santini as coach and Martin Jol as his assistant. Former French national boss Santini left less than three months into the season, amid rumours of a strained relationship with Arnesen. Jol was promoted to head coach and enjoyed a harmonious partnership with the Dane, with Spurs signing a host of promising young players, many of them British, and narrowly missing out on a European place.

City hold firm on Wright-Phillips
Manchester City have not received any offers for Shaun Wright-Phillips and insist he is definitely not for sale. Newspaper reports on Saturday claimed Chelsea were poised to sign the 23-year-old England international on a five-year contract for a fee of £18m. "Shaun has not been sold, we have received no bids for him nor will we encourage any," said City's head of communications Paul Tyrrell. "We want to set the record straight on this important matter." City manager Stuart Pearce is keen to hold on to Wright-Phillips despite the club being £60m in debt. Wright-Phillips only signed a new contract last season and has said he is not looking for a move. Wright-Phillips, joined City in the summer of 1998 having been a trainee at Nottingham Forest and has played almost 150 games for the club. Arsenal were also thought to be keen to sign him but could not compete with the spending power of Roman Abramovich. Spurs and Chelsea in Arneson deal Chelsea, who have also agreed a compensation deal with Tottenham over sporting director Frank Arneson, spent £8m earlier in the summer for Athletic Bilbao left-back Asier Del Horno.

Mourinho hits out over fixtures
Boss Jose Mourinho has hit out at the Premier League over Chelsea's fixtures. He cited the fact that the Blues have to play away from home in the Premiership after each of their first five European outings next season. And to add to his ire, rivals Arsenal have been handed five corresponding home fixtures on those weekends. "It is always Chelsea who get the worst games, the worst fixtures to play, while Arsenal always have the best ones," he told The People newspaper. Mourinho has also criticised the Football Association for the scheduling of their FA Cup fifth-round match away to Newcastle last season - a game they lost 1-0. "That game didn't come at the right moment because we had to play Newcastle on Sunday and then Barcelona two days later," the Portuguese manager said in a special edition DVD review of Chelsea's title-winning season. "Nobody anywhere else in Europe would believe this." Following the arrival of Spanish full-back Asier del Horno, Mourinho added that he intends to sign two more players prior to the start of the new campaign. "The most important thing is to keep what we have, in other words to retain the Premiership, and we have a squad powerful enough to do that," he stated. "But we also have to change one or two players. "In every group, in every squad, there are always one or two players not very happy with their personal situations. "Of course they are happy with the success because they belong to the success but some of them are not very happy because they are not my first choice. "So those are my key tasks - to keep what we have, bring in a left-back, a midfielder and an attacker and improve in every department of the squad. "And our group will be even better next season, it's simple."

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