Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.
Chelsea have confirmed that manager Carlo Ancelotti will be given additional transfer funds and also moved to dispel rumours over Didier Drogba’s future.
Ancelotti has so far made just one major summer signing in the shape of Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool for £5 million, but chief executive, Ron Gourlay, has confirmed that funds will be made available to Ancelotti.
”If Carlo wants to bring a player or two into the squad then we will look at that,” Gourlay told Sky Sports News. ”It has to be the right player to fit into the squad and obviously at the right price. If these things all come together then fine, we’ll strengthen the squad. But only if Carlo feels it’s necessary.”
Meanwhile, Gourlay made it clear that striker Didier Drogba is not for sale, despite interest from Manchester City.
”Didier will be a Chelsea player next year. Didier is under contract,” he said. ”The thing about this time of year is we always get (this). For our players to be in the news – it’s normal. But Didier Drogba will be a Chelsea player next year.”
Meanwhile, Franco Di Santo looks set to stay at the club – at least for the time being – after a move to Dutch club Feyenoord fell through.
Feyenoord football chief Leo Beenhakker admitted their loan bid for Di Santo was held up by financial constraints, saying: “Chelsea requires a contribution towards the salary of Di Santo and we can not afford that. I do have more irons in the fire, though no guarantees. I’ll keep searching for a striker.”
Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.
