Chelsea seek to crank up title pressure after Moses deal takes summer spending past £80m

Chelsea may have taken their summer spending past the £80million mark but manager Roberto Di Matteo claimed his spectacular transfer spree has not put him under added pressure.

Chelsea sealed the £7m capture of Spanish right back Cesar Azpilicueta, 22, from Marseille on Friday and finalised the £9m transfer of Wigan forward Victor Moses after he passed a medical.

New recruit: Victor Moses with his Chelsea shirt after completing his move

 

The European champions admitted in a statement that the  21-year-old’s display against them last week had impressed and he was unveiled before the Newcastle match on Saturday.

The Moses deal takes Chelsea’s spending just past 80m — owner Roman Abramovich’s biggest outlay in a single transfer window since he sanctioned a £112m spree in 2003, his first summer in charge.
Di Matteo said: ‘I already have enough pressure. I think the pressure is always there, new signings or not.’
Chelsea have spent more than any other Premier League club this summer but Di Matteo insisted champions Manchester City and runners-up Manchester United remain the favourites for the title.

Audition: Wigan forward Victor Moses (left) in action against Chelsea last Sunday

He said: ‘We need to make up 25 points and I don’t think any team have done that in the history of the Premier League. They are still the two teams you need to beat.’

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s hopes of off-loading Florent Malouda are being scuppered by the midfielder’s wage demands. He is in the last year of his £70,000-a-week contract and has been told he can leave Stamford Bridge by Di Matteo but he does not want to take a pay cut.
The 32-year-old has attracted interest from Brazil but no clubs are willing to meet his current wages, leaving the Frenchman in limbo ahead of the close of the transfer window next Friday.

Transfer saga: Moses' protracted move has rumbled on for most of the summer

Malouda knows he could possibly earn a lucrative free transfer when his contract expires next season.
However, Malouda, who has not featured in Chelsea’s opening two fixtures, is facing up to an entire season on the sidelines if he digs his heels in to stay.
Di Matteo also insisted defender David Luiz, 25, was not for sale at any price and claimed Chelsea are big enough and successful enough to keep him after Barcelona were rumoured to be interested.

Raging Mancini may quit champions City over lack of summer signings

Roberto Mancini could quit as Manchester City boss inside a year if he doesn’t receive the backing he requires.

Sportsmail understands he is unlikely to see out his recently-signed contract if he continues to be left high and dry over new signings.
A source close to Mancini said: ‘He has three targets before the window closes — Daniele De Rossi, Maicon and Stevan Jovetic.

Furious: Roberto Mancini (left) is not happy with City's transfer policy

Lone signing: Jack Rodwell (left) is the only player to have joined City

 

'We will see what happens in the next few days. He feels there is no one at the club doing the transfer dealing for him and he has been left with just 19 players for the new season. He is angry, as you can imagine.

‘He is ambitious, he has just won the Premier League and wants to win the Champions League. But he can’t do that without the right support.

Target: Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi is wanted by City

England bound? Inter Milan's Maicon (right) is also on City's wishlist

‘He isn’t about to walk out on City but if nothing else happens before the transfer window closes this could be his last season at City. I wouldn’t rule out a move elsewhere next season.’
There is still tension between Mancini and City chief executive Brian Marwood. 
The Italian will want to see some of his targets realised in the next five days if he is to be pacified.

Cole revels in Chelsea's new-look side after Blues maintain perfect start

Ashley Cole believes the new-look Chelsea are off to the perfect start after a 2-0 home win over Newcastle moved them back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Eden Hazard got his first Blues goal from the penalty spot after Fernando Torres tumbled in the area, and the revitalised Spain striker added the second in first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea have changed their style this summer, but Cole is delighted with how quickly they have gelled.

Star of the show: Eden Hazard was at his best for Chelsea against Newcastle

 

'We've lost Didier (Drogba), a big powerful presence up front and sometimes we just used to knock it up to him,' the England left-back told ESPN.

'But now we've signed some smaller players so we've got to get the ball down a play a little bit more now.
'The second goal today was a great goal for the whole team.'
It was Torres' third goal of the season, counting his strike in the Community Shield, and Cole reckons the frontman's new-found confidence is as much a result of Spain's triumph at Euro 2012 as his new role in a Drogba-less Chelsea team.

Main men: Hazard and Fernando Torres

'Of course it was really hard for him to (only) get that many games (last season),' he said. 'But when he did play he worked really hard for the team.
'Now he's the main man, like you say. But he's full of confidence after the European Championships and he scored a great goal today.'
Hazard turned in another fine performance to add to his growing reputation since his big-money move from Lille this summer.
'I think he deserves a lot of credit for the start to the season we've had,' Cole said.
'He's won two penalties, got two assists and now a goal - it's phenomenal.
'We're proud to have this guy in the team and hopefully he can keep doing it.'
Hazard added: 'I'm very happy to get my first goal at Stamford Bridge.'
Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo believes all of his players deserve credit for the club's unbeaten start to the new season despite Eden Hazard once again grabbing the headlines in a 2-0 win at home to Newcastle.
The Blues returned to the top of the Barclays Premier League thanks to a third win in a week.
Summer signing Hazard opened the scoring from the penalty spot and then provided an assist for Fernando Torres to seal the points in first-half stoppage time.
The Belgium international has been central to the wins over Newcastle, Reading and Wigan and Torres has started to look more like the £50million man brought in from Liverpool in January 2011, but Di Matteo feels the whole team deserve praise.

Hitting form: Torres scores Chelsea's second goal against Newcastle

'It's not just them two, they have a good link-up with (Juan) Mata and the other midfield players,' he said.
'Thanks to the team he (Hazard) has been able to slide in and play very comfortably with the others.
'I know you focus on the goalscorers but I think it was a good performance considering it was our third game in six days. The demand was high playing against tough opposition today.'
Torres, 28, was brought down for the penalty and scored a tremendous goal from the edge of the box and Di Matteo is pleased that he has started to add goals to his game once more.
'He was very important for us last season, maybe not scoring as much but providing and working hard for the team,' he said.
'He is a great team player as well but it is great to see him scoring and the second goal I think was terrific play from us.'

Liverpool boss Rodgers has mentor Mourinho to thank after completing Sahin deal

Liverpool have completed the season-long loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, who revealed Bernabeu team-mate Xabi Alonso played a key role in his decision to head to Anfield.

The 23-year-old Turkey international becomes new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' fourth new arrival following Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi.
The Merseysiders saw off competition from Arsenal for Sahin, who helped Madrid win the Primera Division title last season, and the player said former Liverpool midfielder Alonso's passion for the club convinced him it was the right move.

Welcome aboard: Brendan Rodgers and new loan signing Nuri Sahin

Asked whether he spoke with Alonso before making his mind up, he told the club's website: 'Yes, of course. A lot of times. Xabi is a person who really cares about football. He's in love with football. I'm the same, and that's why we had a lot of conversations.
'When I arrived at Real Madrid, we spoke about German football and Italian football. He likes football! When he heard Liverpool were interested in me, he started telling me about Liverpool.
'He is still in love with Liverpool Football Club, I think. It's crazy how he was telling me about Liverpool. He was saying, 'Go there - you will love it. The fans will take care of you and love you' and things like that.
'He said Anfield is the best stadium in the world. Xabi won a lot of trophies here, and hopefully we can do that too.'
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho also advised Sahin the Barclays Premier League would be good for his development.
'We spoke and he told me that English football, especially the Premier League, is the best to enjoy as a footballer,' the former Borussia Dortmund man said.
'Every weekend you can enjoy football. He also told me about how he and Brendan Rodgers worked together at Chelsea and that he's a good coach and person. That's important for me. It's not only football, it was very important for me to have someone who I can speak with.'
Sahin becomes the first Turkish player to sign for the Reds, and he cannot wait to get to work for his new club under the guidance of former Swansea boss Rodgers.

Done deal! Liverpool boss Rodgers has Mourinho to thank after completing loan deal for star Sahin

'We've had a lot of conversations,' he said. 'We spoke and he told me about his ideas for how he wants to play football and where he sees me on the field in the team. I was impressed at how he loves football.'
He added: 'Of course it makes me proud to play for such a big club like Liverpool Football Club as the first Turkish player. Now it is up to me to make the people in Turkey proud.
'It feels great. I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to playing for Liverpool.'
Sahin joined Madrid last summer after catching the eye during a successful spell with Dortmund, with whom he won the Bundesliga title in 2010/11.
'I had a difficult season last year because of a lot of injuries,' said the player, who has also won 31 caps with Turkey, scoring his first national goal aged just 17 against Germany in 2005.
'I had three injuries last year. The team played very well, but I didn't play too many games, so that's why I spoke to Real Madrid and told them I wanted to go out for a year.
'I want to play football - and it was important for me to be at a club where the manager really wants me. I wanted to play for a club on the same level as Dortmund and Madrid - that's why I chose Liverpool.
'This year, it is very important for me to play. I have to play, improve my game and help the team. If I stay in good condition, I am sure I can help the team and Liverpool Football Club, and Brendan Rodgers and my new team-mates can help me.'

Old pals: Brendan Rodgers (left) and Jose Mourinho (right)

Rodgers has admitted turning to his mentor Mourinho to try to bring the feelgood factor back to Anfield.
‘Jose has been fantastic in talking about his qualities and strengths,’ said Rodgers. ‘It’s a great opportunity to bring in a top technician.
‘For me it’s important players can technically participate in the game. I’ve got some outstanding players here but this guy has got experience as well for a young player of 23.
‘He’s a master technician and that’s something important, that I’ve got players who can cope with the game.’
Sahin, who has 31 caps and was voted the Bundesliga Player of the Year with Dortmund two seasons ago, turned down the chance of Champions League football at Arsenal to be at Liverpool.
‘When we knew of his availability, our task was to wrestle away the momentum of him joining Arsenal,’ added Rodgers.
‘As you can imagine that’s very difficult because Arsenal are a wonderful club and play a style of football suited to his qualities. But we’ve been able to persuade him to come here. He’s a very clever guy, he’s done a lot of homework on myself as a manager and the club itself.

Check up: Sahin undergoes a medical at Melwood training ground

‘I promise players three things. The first is my communication. I won’t bluff players, I’ll be totally honest and open with them.
‘The second is that they’ll become better, that the quality of work will improve them as players. And thirdly I promise ambition. I want to be the very very best I possibly can. I grew from nothing into something through sheer ambition and work and determination.’
Sahin’s arrival will hasten the departure of Jay Spearing to Bolton on loan while Scotland international Charlie Adam is also available at £5million though the player has said he wants to stay and fight for his place at Anfield.
Luis Suarez and Steve Gerrard will return to face City after missing the midweek Europa League win against Hearts.
Ironically, City manager Roberto Mancini once tried to appoint Rodgers as his No2 when he was out the game having been sacked by Reading.
‘I got a call and there was a possibility about going to Manchester City and flew to Milan to meet Roberto,’ said Rodgers.
‘They were excited about what was happening there but then all of a sudden I got the opportunity to go to Swansea so to be the No1. Irrespective of money and whatever contract, being the manager at a great club like Swansea was always going to be too good to turn down.’

Spurs on alert as Man United prepare to offload Nani and Anderson

Manchester United are prepared to consider offers of £15million for Brazil midfielder Anderson and winger Nani as they seek to recoup some money after a summer of heavy spending.

Tottenham are among the clubs who could be interested in the 24-year-old Anderson should they fail to land top target Joao Moutinho from Porto.

Market value: United would consider offers for Anderson (left)

Sir Alex Ferguson has splashed out £45m on five players, including Robin van Persie, and club owners the Glazers are keen to trim the squad. With so many options in midfield, Anderson is considered disposable.

  Nani is also vulnerable, having failed to agree a new contract with two years left on his deal. The Portugal winger was left out of the win over Fulham. 

Anderson, an £18m signing from Porto in 2007, has netted only four Premier League goals. Benfica have expressed an interest but United would be prepared to sell him to a Premier League rival and Spurs are monitoring the situation, even though they also have other targets, with manager Andre Villas-Boas making a top-quality midfielder his priority.

Missing: Nani was left out of Fulham clash

Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday have asked about a loan deal for QPR striker Jay Bothroyd, although his £40,000-a-week wages may be a problem.
Crystal Palace are also possibilities but they would prefer to take his team-mate, DJ Campbell.
Blackpool are bracing themselves to lose Scotland winger Matt Phillips, who is wanted by Everton.