Chelsea Transfer News/Rumours – 20 January 2013

1) Ashley Cole agrees to contract extension : 

The deal ends speculation that the England left-back, 32, would leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the season.
He had been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Paris St Germain.
However, he has committed his future to the club he joined from Arsenal in 2006.
Cole’s Blues team-mate Frank Lampard is also out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Chelsea fans are unhappy that the legendary midfielder could be on his way out of the club.

2) Benitez to gamble on Terry return : 

John Terry is set to make his first start for Rafael Benítez’s Chelsea against Arsenal on Sunday as the interim first-team manager seeks to address what has been perceived as a lack of leadership and character in the team, frailties that have contributed to a recent slump in home form.

Benítez has won one of his six domestic games at Stamford Bridge, all of which have been played with supporters making clear their displeasure at his presence. The Spaniard had suggested in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday’s wasteful draw with Southampton that Terry was not yet ready to return to the fray. The veteran centre-half had injured knee ligaments during the draw with Liverpool on 11 November when Roberto Di Matteo was in charge and, while the damage was relatively minor, it has taken time for the joint to repair fully.

3) Barcelona plot 10m raid for Courtois : 

The Belgian has turned many heads during his 18-month loan spell at Atletico Madrid, where he helped the Spanish side to the Europa League title last season and is now wanted by La Liga giants Barcelona as they prepare for the departure of Victor Valdes.

The Catalan club are thought to be willing to offer up to £10m for the youngster, with veteran stopper Valdes looking increasingly unlikely to sign an extension on his current contract which expires in 2014.

Other News : 

1) Lampard snubs Monaco and Lazio :

Frank Lampard is poised to sign for LA Galaxy this summer after reaching agreement with the MLS club.
The 34-year-old Chelsea idol has been courted by Lazio, Monaco and super-rich Chinese side Ghuizho Renhe but is ready to snub their offers for the chance of becoming the new poster boy of the American league on around £4million a year.

2) Gilbert Imbula to Chelsea? :

Chelsea had looked favourites to sign the defensive midfielder. Lyon have also made enquiries but the club sense a greater profit in England for a player valued at £8m.

The 20-year-old has starred for French Ligue 2 side Guingamp in recent seasons and holds the record as the youngest player to play in the division, at 17 years, one month and four days.

3) Stephane Mbia a target for Chelsea :

Stephane Mbia might be a surprise target for Chelsea, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Not renowned for their ability to look to the future, Chelsea would be making a sensible choice that fulfills a need within their current roster.

With QPR reportedly set to make a move for troubled Rennes star Yann M’Vila (via The Daily Mail), it would also rank as a good career move for Mbia. Chelsea could use a battler in the middle of the park, and Mbia doesn’t exactly shy away from a tackle.