Chelsea Wrap Up Mata - Modric to Follow?

As Andre Villas-Boas prepares his Chelsea side for today's game against West Brom with the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka and Romelu Lukaku as his attacking options, he will be satisfied with the knowledge that goals will be scored. Worryingly for Chelsea's Premier League rivals the Spanish star, Juan Mata will soon be added to that impressive attacking list of players.

The 23 year-old Spanish winger's move to Arsenal fell through miserably, but Chelsea's new Portuguese manager is confident that he can get a deal tied up soon worth £23.4 million and £2.6 million in add-ons.

Spanish journalist, Guillem Balague announced on Twitter that he has met with Villas-Boas and that the Chelsea manager was positive about a deal, believing it could be wrapped up by Sunday. Balague claimed that the fee has been agreed as well as personal terms with the player.

It is certainly an exciting signing for Chelsea; a young, talented attacker, who has been chased by several top sides, and with bags of potential - it is a big step forward for an older Chelsea side, especially when you consider the recent signing of Lukaku.

Mata will be linking up with his fellow countryman Fernando Torres, with everyone involved with Chelsea hoping that the younger Spaniard will help the elder, former Liverpool star with his goalscoring form. Mata is a tricky, creative and clever winger, who will fit well in Chelsea's 4-3-3 system with two wingers, and with the vision on the ball he holds, goals may be flying at Stamford Bridge.

Even more so if Luka Modric finally agrees to leave Tottenham. Spurs have been consistently persistent with the fact that they will not sell their prized asset, but there is revived talk that a move is on the cards. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also added fuel to the fire, by saying he has "a feeling" that Tottenham will sell the Croatian midfielder if the right bid were to come in.

We all know Modric's qualities in the midfield. He's one of the best at what he does in the Premier League and has been chased by Manchester United too, but he has set his heart on a move to Chelsea, and the London club are more than happy to take him in.

Modric's quick thinking and creativity as well as his amazing ability to control a game would make Chelsea the team to beat in the Premier League if all goes well for them. Manchester United have been reluctant to buy in midfield, and Arsenal have lost Fabregas and are about to lose Nasri - two of their most influential players.

If Chelsea can get hold of Mata and Modric, they will have a fantastically talented, creative midfield, and add the old with the new at the club, it may turn out to be a formidable combination.

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Big Future for Man United's New Signing Phil Jones

Manchester United have signed Blackburn's young central defender and occasional defensive midfielder, Phil Jones on a 5 year deal thought to be worth around £16 million. There has been some speculation over his medical and whether he failed it or not, with some saying he has failed it, while other say that United simply want a second opinion - perhaps in particular on his knee which was injured in December and required surgery as well as 5 months recovery. Amid the speculation, one thing is for sure; Phil Jones is a very bright young talent and set for a very fruitful future as a Manchester United and England defender.

Jones was wanted by a number of clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham, with him even meeting with the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to discuss a move after a bid was accepted for the 19 year-old. However, Jones chose a move to Old Trafford over Arsenal, a move which sees him join fellow Englishmen Chris Smalling and Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Manchester United back line. He will also be welcomed by United's Nemanja Vidic, who will have plenty to teach his young competitor when the squad rejoins for the start of the season.

This £16 million signing, may seem a big investment in a young player, but Jones is a powerful young who will fight to prove his worth on footballs biggest stage. He may have a lot of eyes watching expectantly, but I am confident Jones has the quality and potential to live up to expectations, as he sets out to impress Sir Alex Ferguson and the rest of the world. Indeed, it is unlikely he will immediately be thrown into the defence, especially when United already have a central partnership which has been praised as one of the best in Ferdinand and Vidic. Like Smalling, Jones will have to bide his time, and gradually see himself integrate into the team as the older players begin to lose their legs.

Jones' breakthrough season came just two years ago at Blackburn under Sir Alex Ferguson's good friend, Sam Allardyce. "Big Sam" may have been consulted by Sir Alex over the player before the signing, but the United manager would have surely had his eye on Jones before then, after all, he doesn't want a repeat of the Bebe situation. Jones continues to impress this season too, with a very respectable 25 appearances for Blackburn in the Premier League, giving him some well needed experience for the young talent.

In those 25 appearances, Jones came up against several of the top sides in the League, and faired pretty well, with solid performances which clearly caught the attention of top clubs. Wayne Rooney said on Twitter today that Jones was "1 of the toughest defenders I played against last season", which is some praise for such a young guy, as Rooney is certainly no push over.

In Jones' début in the Premier League, he came up against Chelsea. With Chelsea comes Didier Drogba, who ended that season as the League's top goalscorer with 29 goals - three ahead of Wayne Rooney. It started badly for young Jones, who saw Drogba score early on, but as can be seen in the chalkboard above, he recovered well, with plenty of successful tackles in his position, breaking up attacks, winning the ball and starting up Blackburn's own bursts forward. Credit to the young lad who was making his début, he was able to keep out the Leagues most prolific striker for 85 minutes, and this is something Sir Alex will no doubt be desiring when he pulls on a Manchester United shirt.

Manchester United have invested heavily in young English defenders now, with Chris Smalling coming in last year for £12 million and now this £16 million signing. However, if Jones settles in as well as Smalling has in the 33 games he has played for United so far, then the Red Devils have a formidable up and coming defence to look forward to when Vidic and Ferdinand are gone.

The United manager may not have decades left in him as United manager, but he is certainly planning ahead, and building the foundations once again for a successful and fruitful future for Manchester United even when he has retired. With United's own youth looking very promising too, it is exciting times for United. Now however, they will be judged on immediate success as always, and will be pushing for that stunning record of 20 League titles next year.
While you are here, check out my other article about United's other new signing, Ashley Young. Click Here.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.

Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.

Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.

Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.

Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.

Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.

Bolton Get Sturridge Instead of Vela

There have been some massive transfers this deadline day involving big players, big clubs and big money. This transfer isn't as big as those including Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll, but it sees Danny Sturridge of Chelsea joining Bolton Wanderers in a loan deal until the end of the season.

After Chelsea's £50 million signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool, Sturridge will obviously find it harder than it already has been for him to grab a place in the first team ahead of Drogba, Anelka and now the new Spaniard. A move away which guarantees him games is a great move for the promising young English forward where he can prove his obvious talents ad grow as a player with some decent time on the pitch at an increasingly talented Bolton side.

Bolton had tried to sign the Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, but the Mexican's agent was a big stumbling block for the transfer, and in the end, Vela joined West Brom from Arsenal rather than Bolton. Sturridge is, nevertheless, a big scoop for Bolton.
It seems both parties are very pleased with the transfer. Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager said of his new signing:

"I'm really pleased to have Daniel with us,"

"He's a terrific young talent and one of the most exciting strikers in the country. We're all looking forward to working with him."

While Sturridge, who was linked to a move to Liverpool in a part exchange deal for Torres said:

"I spoke with the manager and he outlined what he hopes to achieve and his plans. It was an easy decision to sign for Bolton Wanderers and I'm looking forward to linking up with the squad on Tuesday."

The 21 year-old also said that Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder who spent a good spell at Bolton on loan had encouraged him to join the Bolton set up:

"I'm good friends with Jack (Wilshere) and he told me all about the club too. He said how much he had enjoyed his time here and how good the set-up was."

Watch: Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea

Tottenham 1 - 0 Chelsea - Pavlyuchenko

Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea - Drogba

Lukaku Targeted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool

Romelu Lukaku has generated a lot of excitement over his abilities, and at the young age of 17, has already been compared to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

He has been linked with major clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea, and now Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have been added to the list, but according to some sources, Liverpool are "in the driving seat" to sign the player.

The Belgian striker currently plays at Anderlecht, and finished last season as the Belgian Leagues top scorer - at the age of only 16 years and 10 months. Okay, so the Belgian League isn't quite the English Premier League, and the quality may not be any where near as high, but you must be pretty special to be scoring goals for fun at such a young age against players much older and experienced than you.

Rumours in the summer of 2010 suggested that Tottenham had a £17.5 million bid rejected for Lukaku, while Chelsea's Didier Drogba apparently spoke to the Belgian striker and tried to persuade him to join Chelsea.
Real Madrid admitted their interest as manager Jose Mourinho said:

'It is true we wanted Romelu, but he has a very clever dad. He wants Romelu to stay at Anderlecht for one more year. I wish all dads were like this."

While Cristiano Ronaldo was full of praise for the young man:

“He has to make his own choice but I’m sure that he will have a great career.

“At 17 when he is not playing in a major championship, he has managed to make himself known to many people like me. I think that he’s a really fantastic young player.

“I’m curious to see what he will do in the coming months or at the end of the season. But Lukaku is on track; he must continue to work this way.”

Liverpool and the other English clubs certainly have stiff opposition in the competition for the players signature on a contract from top teams from all over the world, but Chelsea seem the team who Lukaku sounds keen to join. On a school trip to Stamford Bridge, he was photographed in a Chelsea shirt and said whilst there:

"I'm very pleased to be here – unfortunately, I didn't meet Drogba. If ever one day I will cry, it will be when I sign for Chelsea."

This player is a genuine talent. Standing at over 6 foot and 3 inches and weighing in at over 14 stone, Lukaku is immensely strong for his age - out muscling the opposition regularly in tussles,while his aerial ability is described as "awesome". He is quick, clever on the ball, intelligent in positioning and has the finishing of an expert. His abilities are vast, while his age is the opposite.

It seems too good to be true.

Lukaku Targeted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool

Romelu Lukaku has generated a lot of excitement over his abilities, and at the young age of 17, has already been compared to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

He has been linked with major clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea, and now Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have been added to the list, but according to some sources, Liverpool are "in the driving seat" to sign the player.

The Belgian striker currently plays at Anderlecht, and finished last season as the Belgian Leagues top scorer - at the age of only 16 years and 10 months. Okay, so the Belgian League isn't quite the English Premier League, and the quality may not be any where near as high, but you must be pretty special to be scoring goals for fun at such a young age against players much older and experienced than you.

Rumours in the summer of 2010 suggested that Tottenham had a £17.5 million bid rejected for Lukaku, while Chelsea's Didier Drogba apparently spoke to the Belgian striker and tried to persuade him to join Chelsea.
Real Madrid admitted their interest as manager Jose Mourinho said:

'It is true we wanted Romelu, but he has a very clever dad. He wants Romelu to stay at Anderlecht for one more year. I wish all dads were like this."

While Cristiano Ronaldo was full of praise for the young man:

“He has to make his own choice but I’m sure that he will have a great career.

“At 17 when he is not playing in a major championship, he has managed to make himself known to many people like me. I think that he’s a really fantastic young player.

“I’m curious to see what he will do in the coming months or at the end of the season. But Lukaku is on track; he must continue to work this way.”

Liverpool and the other English clubs certainly have stiff opposition in the competition for the players signature on a contract from top teams from all over the world, but Chelsea seem the team who Lukaku sounds keen to join. On a school trip to Stamford Bridge, he was photographed in a Chelsea shirt and said whilst there:

"I'm very pleased to be here – unfortunately, I didn't meet Drogba. If ever one day I will cry, it will be when I sign for Chelsea."

This player is a genuine talent. Standing at over 6 foot and 3 inches and weighing in at over 14 stone, Lukaku is immensely strong for his age - out muscling the opposition regularly in tussles,while his aerial ability is described as "awesome". He is quick, clever on the ball, intelligent in positioning and has the finishing of an expert. His abilities are vast, while his age is the opposite.

It seems too good to be true.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Chelsea - Terrific Torres too Much for Chelsea

Liverpool defeated the Champions in their best performance of the season which saw Fernando Torres score two brilliant goals to turn the corner for Liverpool to put smiles on every Liverpool fans' faces.

Liverpool started brightly, and with a nice dink over the Chelsea defenders by Dirk Kuyt to Torres, fit or not fit, there would be only one end to this Liverpool attack. He may have miss hit the ball into the ground, but this Spanish striker knows where the goal is, and it past Petr Cech in goal to set Liverpool off.

The second goal came at a great time. Just before half time, Meireles fed in Torres on the left hand side, and after cutting inside onto his right foot, curled a beauty into the top corner of the Chelsea net - nothing Cech could do.
His touch was much improved, and he worked much harder than previous performances this season. The early goal obviously helped his confidence, and he went on to put in a man of the match performance. He was able to lead from the front and set a standard for the rest of the team.

Gerrard was once again exceptional, and Carragher at the back was, as always a fearless defender who put his body on the line to keep Chelsea out. One chance, after a powerful Anelka shot that Reina bearly saved, the ball bounced off of the top of the crossbar, and was about to be met with a tap-in from Didier Drogba. Jamie Carragher however, was in his way, and shepharded the ball back into Reina's hands. Drogba knew the chance was a brilliant one, but he acknowledged too that the defending was brilliant.

The second half was defend, defend, defend from Liverpool who desperatley needed to hold onto their lead. Chelsea wouldn't give up, and created enough chances to score at least one goal. But the resiliant togetherness from Liverpool kept the two goal lead, and the valuable three points.

Liverpool are now up to ninth in the League, and Chelsea only two points ahead of Manchester United. Out of the bottom half, and having just beaten the English Champions, it may be too soon to say that Liverpool are "back", but slowly, and steadily, they are getting there.