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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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."

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.