Chelsea

Kaladze sure of Chelsea transfer
AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze has claimed he will soon sign a contract with Premiership champions Chelsea. The 27-year-old Georgia captain told PA International: "I have agreed everything with the Chelsea management. "Now it is necessary to wait for them to reach an agreement with AC Milan. I think I could become a Chelsea player next week. "I don't think Milan can keep hold of me - if they do not let me go, in six months time I could go for nothing." Kaladze believes Milan will let him go in order to persuade Chelsea to let Hernan Crespo stay at the San Siro after a successful loan spell. "When Chelsea made their bid to AC Milan they did not wish to sell me and offered me a new deal," he said. "I am not in the team and have to sit on the bench and I refused to stay. "Milan won't keep a player who does not want to stay and they want to keep Crespo as well." Kaladze admits he first got to meet Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in the United States last year. Kaladze said: "We got acquainted one year ago when our teams were in the USA in an exhibition tournament and I think I caught the eye of Jose Mourinho. "With Abramovich it is clear he has football fever."

Mourinho appeal dismissed by FA
The Football Association has rejected Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's appeal over a charge of improper conduct. Mourinho was charged for comments made after the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 12 January. "In the second half it was whistle and whistle, fault and fault, cheat and cheat," he said after the game. Mourinho was fined £5,000 and warned as to his future conduct after a hearing on 10 March. The match was drawn 0-0 and Mourinho was unhappy that Ferguson spoke to referee Neale Barry as the teams left the pitch at half-time. In a post-match interview the Portuguese boss told Chelsea TV: "The referee controlled the game in one way during the first half but in the second they had dozens of free kicks. "I know the referee did not walk to the dressing rooms alone at half-time. "He should only have had his two assistants and the fourth official with him but there was also someone else." Blues captain and central defender John Terry also made his displeasure about the referee clear after the game. He said: "With most refs and being captain, you can maybe have a word, but he just wasn't willing to listen which was disappointing." However, Terry provided the FA with an explanation and was not charged as English football's governing body had "reviewed the content and context of these comments, (and) decided that it is not appropriate to take formal disciplinary action."

Crespo confirms new AC Milan loan
Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo said he will sign another season-long loan deal at AC Milan when he returns from international duty with Argentina. Crespo, 29, confirmed the news after scoring twice in Argentina's 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over Brazil, which sealed their place in the 2006 finals. "Everything's done with Milan. All that is missing is my signature," he said. "When I return from my holidays, I will do what is left. I am happy and I wanted to stay." Crespo will take a wage cut as part of the deal, and will receive about £1.67m for the next campaign, compared with about £2m for the season just gone. Milan reached the final of the Champions League and challenged for the Serie A title - but ultimately missed out on both, losing to Liverpool in the European final and pipped by Juventus in Serie A. "First of all, I have to thank Milan, but I know that the result has been the fruit of my efforts and my hard work," Crespo said. "It has been a fantastic season, and I'm happy. It's a pity about the Champions League final." It remains to be seen whether that will impact on Chelsea's hopes of signing Milan's Kakhabar Kaladze, who might have been part of a deal for Crespo. The Argentine joined Chelsea from Inter Milan for a fee of £16.8m in the summer of 2003.

Lyon reject Blues bid for Essien
French champions Lyon have again rejected Chelsea's attempts to sign Ghana midfielder Michael Essien. Lyon say the 22-year-old Essien has agreed an extension to his contract to 2009, although the player has yet to confirm the new deal. "We want to keep Essien and he'll stay here unless we received a stupendous bid," said new coach Gerard Houllier. "The best recruitment policy starts by keeping your squad together and we don't intend to upset a winning squad." Houllier confirmed Lyon also wanted to sign Czech striker Milan Baros from his old club Liverpool. He met Baros on Wednesday with Lyon sporting director Bernard Lacombe, who is responsible for recruiting players, after a World Cup match in the Czech Republic. "He was surprised to see us but pleased and said he would think it over," Houllier said. "We'll just have to wait." Essien has attracted interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid but had hinted at signing for Premiership champions Chelsea. "Chelsea is my best contact and I know they are interested in signing me," the £15m-rated Essien earlier said. "That is great joy for me because they are one of the best in Europe and I've always dreamed of playing in England."

Spurs want sizeable compensation
Spurs will not complain to the Premier League about Chelsea's approach for sporting director Frank Arnesen if they receive "significant compensation". The two clubs have yet to agree a deal for Arnesen but he is expected to leave Tottenham for Stamford Bridge. It is understood Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants as much as £5m but the Blues are said to be offering £1m. "I will not hesitate to lodge a formal complaint in the absence of fair and significant compensation," said Levy. The Spurs chairman also rebuffed allegations that the club had illegally approached Chelsea players. "We have not spoken to any player that they have not given us permission to do so. It could not be clearer," he said. Talks broke down on Tuesday, with Levy reportedly furious over Chelsea's offer of compensation, but the clubs are now back in talks. Arnesen, who still has two years left on his contract, is currently suspended by Tottenham - amid claims that the Blues made an illegal approach for his services. Chelsea have denied breaching Premier League rules after formally requesting permission to speak to the 48-year-old. But Spurs maintain that the Premiership champions broke the rules because their letter was copied to the Dane. Levy added: "The loss of Frank would be significant. You will all know that I created the new structure at the club to accommodate Frank as a key figure. "I had no doubt, in doing so, that he would add substantially to the value of our squad over the coming years. "My position on where we go from here is quite clear - I am determined to resolve this in the best interests of our club." If talks prove fruitless, Spurs could yet make a complaint to the Premier League or take action through the civil courts. But the most likely scenario is that the clubs will come to an agreement, which may mean that the Blues will avoid an inquiry. Arnesen would then be free move across London and take over as head of scouting and the academy at Stamford Bridge, earning around £4.3m over three years.

Chelsea 'close to Del Horno deal'
Asier del Horno's agent has revealed the Athletic Bilbao defender will definitely seal a £12m move to Chelsea. Jokin Barcena also told Spanish sports newspaper Marca the 24-year-old would replace William Gallas, who he claimed was not in coach Jose Mourinho's plans. He said: "Asier's transfer will be done without a shred of a doubt. Chelsea have told me that there's no danger that it will not be done." Barcena confirmed Chelsea could also sign AC Milan's Kakha Kaladze. He denied interest shown by the Premiership champions in Kaladze and Borussia Dortmund's Dede had stalled the deal. "This (the delay) has nothing to do with the possible signing of another left-back player," he said. "Chelsea have always been clear that they want him and it could be that they could sign more than one left-back because the one they currently have, William Gallas, is not in Jose Mourinho's plans for next season and they want to let him go."

Arnesen stance disappoints Levy
Tottenham chief Daniel Levy has accused Frank Arnesen of betraying the club. Spurs are in talks with Chelsea over compensation for sporting director Arnesen, who wants to join the Blues. "Our supporters have openly used the word betrayal and I have to say it's probably appropriate," chairman Levy told the Sunday Mirror. "I honestly felt Frank was going to stick to our agreement and that the challenge here at Spurs was one he enjoyed and relished." Tottenham are due for more talks with Chelsea this week over a package that could include the transfer of midfielder Scott Parker to White Hart Lane. But Levy remains unhappy after he brought the sporting director to the Premiership to work alongside coach Martin Jol. "We had discussions with Frank in an attempt to persuade him not to consider the approach and offer by Chelsea," added Levy. "It was in the club's interest to try to protect what we are trying to achieve at the club. "There were offers of revisions to Frank's salary and, believe me, we made him significant loyalty offers. "But it was evident from our conversations that I was powerless to talk him round and his mind was already made up. "What we are all having difficulty reconciling is the Frank we knew, who was utterly charming and professional, in direct contrast to the man who clearly now wants to walk away from the commitment he had to us." Tottenham have so far not complained to the Premier League over what they claim is an illegal approach for Arnesen but could do if they fail to agree a deal with Chelsea.

Inter hope to wrap up Veron deal
Inter Milan are confident that they will complete the permanent signing of Chelsea midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron by the end of the week. The 30-year-old is under contract with Chelsea until 2007 but could sign a three-year deal at the San Siro after spending last season there on loan. Inter's sporting director Marco Branca said: "We are working to keep him. "Veron's situation will probably be resolved in the next few days and we are optimistic that he will stay." Veron cost the Blues £15m when he joined from Manchester United in 2003 but has played only 15 games for the club. He made 24 Serie A appearances for Inter last season and also played in 10 Champions League games for the Italian club.

Chelsea set up summer friendlies
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will take his Premiership title-holders back to his native Portugal this summer. Mourinho will pit his side against the winners of the Portuguese league, Benfica, on 17 July. Chelsea will then travel to America on 19 July and play two games against Italian side and losing Champions League finalists AC Milan. A 12-day trip to Boston, Washington and New York will also involve a match against a Major League Soccer side.

Chelsea, Man Utd await Obi ruling
Manchester United and Chelsea are waiting for Fifa's decision over the Old Trafford club's complaint regarding Nigerian John Mikel Obi's transfer. United and Norwegian club Lyn Oslo lodged a complaint with Fifa over Chelsea's pursuit of the teenager. Obi, 18, has claimed he was forced to sign a contract with United from Lyn. "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." Obi played for the Nigerian under-20s on Sunday in a 0-0 draw against Brazil in the World Youth Championship. He told BBC Sport that he knows where he wants to play next season but wants to concentrate on helping Nigeria at the tournament. "Deep inside me, I know where I want to play and I know where I want to go to, but I am not telling anyone," he said. "I want to concentrate on this tournament in playing for Nigeria and to help my country win as many games as possible." United announced Obi's £4m transfer on 29 April after he scored twice on his Lyn debut. But Obi then changed his mind and was quoted in Norwegian media as saying he wanted to join Chelsea. 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. A decision on the Obi case may take some time. Last week Fifa ruled Roma must pay Auxerre £5.34m regarding Philippe Mexes' transfer to the Italian club, a year after the French international moved to Serie A.

Liverpool cash in on European win
Champions League winners Liverpool have earned £20.5m from their European run to top the tournament's earnings table. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal made up three of the top four Champions League earners, with Manchester United in eighth place. Chelsea secured £18.8m from television money and performance bonuses, Arsenal were fourth with £15.7m, while Manchester United picked up £10.9m. Beaten finalists AC Milan were third with £17.5m and Celtic bagged £7m. The figures do not include gate receipts, another area where English clubs outperform their European rivals. 1: Liverpool £20.5m (winners) 2. Chelsea £18.8m (last four) 3. AC Milan £17.5 (runners-up) 4. Arsenal £15.7m (last 16) 8. Man Utd £10m (last 16) 19. Celtic £7m (group stage) Football consultant Alex Fynn told BBC Sport: "England is the richest TV pool - it has one of the largest markets in terms of population as well as the highest broadcasting fees because it has two broadcasters in Sky and ITV. "Most other countries just have one broadcaster. "That is why Chelsea, as semi-finalists, earned more than the beaten finalists AC Milan. "The Champions League is absolutely vital to the English clubs. "Liverpool would probably have earned as much from their European run as they would have from their Premiership broadcasting rights last season. It's a huge bonus for them." Fynn, who has advised clubs and federations on media and marketing, added that Liverpool would also be able to cash in on their Champions League qualifying games next season. "They should be able to clear in the region of £1.5m for each of their three home games in the qualifying rounds from matchday and broadcast revenue. "The only downside for them is the effort they've spent on ensuring they got into the tournament next season. "That's time they haven't been able to devote to capitalising on their newfound status as European Champions."

Gallas set to remain at Chelsea
Chelsea will not sell William Gallas, despite claims from transfer target Asier del Horno's agent that he is not in manager Jose Mourinho's plans. Jokin Barcena claimed the 24-year-old Athletic Bilbao defender would replace Gallas, who has interested Barcelona. But BBC Sport understands that Chelsea have no plans to sell Gallas, despite Barcena's remarks, and that the France defender is vital to Mourinho. Chelsea are working on deals for Del Horno and AC Milan's Kakha Kaladze. Barcena claimed that a £12m deal for Del Horno would go through, despite a delay, and said: "The delay has nothing to do with the possible signing of another left-back player. "Chelsea have always been clear that they want him and it could be that they could sign more than one left-back because the one they currently have, William Gallas, is not in Jose Mourinho's plans for next season and they want to let him go." The comments, however, mystified the newly-crowned Premiership champions, who have no plans to sell Gallas because he was outstanding as they won the title and Carling Cup last season.

Crespo to discuss AC Milan loan
Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has flown to Italy to begin talks about a new loan deal with AC Milan. Crespo, 29, who helped Argentina qualify for the World Cup after scoring twice in the 3-1 win over Brazil, is set to remain another year with Milan. Crespo's agent Fernando Hidalgo said: "We are meeting Chelsea this week before the player signs the new contract with Milan. "There are some details to clarify but in theory everything has been agreed." Crespo will take a wage cut as part of the deal, and will receive about £1.67m for the next campaign, compared with about £2m for the season just gone. Milan reached the final of the Champions League and challenged for the Serie A title - but ultimately missed out on both, losing to Liverpool in the European final and pipped by Juventus in Serie A. The Argentinae scored a total of 18 goals for the Rossoneri in the 2004-05 campaign Crespo joined Chelsea from Inter Milan for a fee of £16.8m in the summer of 2003.

Essien sets sights on Premiership
Michael Essien's agent has admitted that the player is keen on a switch to the Premiership but fears Lyon's asking price could scupper any potential move. The French champions have so far resisted Chelsea's bid to sign the 22-year-old Ghana midfielder. Fabien Piveteau told BBC Sport: "The problem is that Chelsea want him but, for now, the bid is too small for Lyon. "If possible he would prefer to come to England. He speaks English, he likes English football." Essien has so far declined to sign a contract extension but Lyon are determined not to let him go without a fight. "Lyon want big, big money for the player," added Piveteau. "The problem for Chelsea is when they arrive for discussions with another club the price is doubled." Piveteau said Essien would consider a move elsewhere in England but feels the transfer fee is likely to put most clubs off. He added: "Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal would interest him. "I know the Arsenal coach likes him very well but, for now, there have been no discussions. "At Manchester I had discussions with their coach two months ago but after that there has been no news. "For Liverpool there could be a solution because Lyon want Milan Baros and it may be possible to organise for Baros to go to Lyon and Michael to go to Liverpool - and the same for Chelsea with Didier Drogba." Lyon dismissed a proposed swap deal involving Drogba on Monday. Their president Jean-Michel Aulas told sports newspaper l'Equipe: "If chief executive Peter Kenyon proposes a deal because Chelsea have signed Eto'o or Adriano, I would listen. "But I don't believe in Father Christmas." Last season Ghana international Essien was voted Player of the Year by France's National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP). Meanwhile, Aulas has also confirmed their interested in Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh and Baros. "We have already made one, big offer for Chamakh. We want him, he's our priority," he said. "We're waiting to hear from Baros and I plan to go to Prague to see him this week with coach Gerard Houllier."

AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze has revealed he will meet Chelsea officials in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss a £4m move to Stamford Bridge. The 27-year-old told sports newspaper Sarbieli that it would be his first face-to-face meeting with Chelsea. "I'm going to Moscow and I'd like to find out finally whether Chelsea want to get me or not." The Georgia captain added: "This meeting will clarify the situation. Milan do not want to let me go." He has admitted that he first met Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in the United States last year. Kaladze added: "We got acquainted one year ago when our teams were in the USA in an exhibition tournament and I think I caught the eye of Jose Mourinho. "With Abramovich it is clear he has football fever."

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