According to various reports in the British press, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has called Carlos Tevez in the hope of persuading him to join the west London based club.

The Daily Mail writes that the Italian tactician obtained the player's phone number from his former Argentina international team-mate, Hernan Crespo.

The Sun claims that while the 25-year-old forward was surprised to hear from the Blues chief, he was also pleased and impressed.

"Carlos was stunned to get the call from Ancelotti but also very pleased," the British tabloid quotes a source close to the player as saying.

"Ancelotti did a great job selling the move and Carlos was impressed."

Tevez, who was on holiday in Argentina following the recent South American World Cup qualifiers, was also called by Crespo as Ancelotti stepped up his efforts to sign the former Boca Juniors, Corinthians and West Ham United star.

The news comes a day after it was reported that the 5ft 6in striker had not ruled out the possibility of remaining with Manchester United, who are thought to have first option to purchase his economic rights before his loan deal expires at the end of June.

CSKA Moscow star Yuri Zhirkov will sign a contract with the Blues on Wednesday, according to reports in Russia.
Jun 29, 2009 9:01:02 AM
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RPL: Yuri Zhirkov - CSKA (championat.ru)Yuri Zhirkov has been linked with a move away from CSKA Moscow for some time now, with Chelsea and Barcelona both thought to be in the running for the player's signature.

The Russia international insisted earlier this month he had no knowledge of Chelsea's interest, but news daily Sport-Express reports that the 25-year-old defender, who can also play on the left wing, will fly to London on Wednesday to rubber-stamp a four-year contract.

It is believed that the signing of Zhirkov, who has been one of Europe's most sought-after players since his impressive displays for Russia at Euro 2008, will cost Chelsea a fee in the region of €20 million

Sneijder appears on Chelsea radar

English giants Chelsea hope to enlist the services of Real Madrid wonder winger Wesley Sneijder.

Chelsea's attempts to land prime midfield target Franck Ribery were shot down recently, with the France international stating his preference to play in Spain with Real Madrid.

Since that rebuff, newly-appointed Chelsea boss Carlos Ancelotti has turned his attention to Sneijder.

Sneijder's first-team future at the Bernabeu remains undecided, due to the arrival of the new batch of Galacticos, or more specifically £80million superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Dutch international, however, remains optimistic: "I'd like to stay and hope coach Manuel Pellegrini will give me a chance but there are many rumours."

With the Madrid midfield becoming slowly but surely overcrowded, a move to Stamford Bridge could be Sneijder's first-team answer

Zhirkov completes Chelsea move

By Soccernet staff

July 6, 2009

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Chelsea have completed the signing of Russian international Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow for a reported £18m fee.

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New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Yury Zhirkov deal at his unveiling.

The 25-year-old completed his medical in London on Monday and has agreed a four-year deal, believed to be worth £80,000-a-week.

Zhirkov, who was hugely impressive at Euro 2008, can play on the left wing or at left-back and was given a ringing endorsement by temporary Blues boss Guus Hiddink, who has since returned to his job as coach of the Russian national team.

New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Zhirkov deal was complete during his inaugural press conference at Stamford Bridge on Monday morning and said he was looking forward to exploiting the Russian's versatility.

"Zhirkov is naturally on the left, Ancelotti said. "I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between.''

During his time with CSKA Moscow, Zhirkov helped the Russian Premier League club win the UEFA Cup and has been dubbed the "Russian Ronaldinho".

The former Spartak Tambov player is Chelsea's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and striker Daniel Sturridge.

Ancelotti would not be drawn on any other transfer targets linked with Chelsea and also refused to confirm if Deco and Ricardo Carvalho would be leaving west London.

"Carvalho and Deco are Chelsea players," the Italian said. "If in the future a player wants to go they have to speak with the club and we take the right decision for the player and for us.''

On players rumoured to be coming into the club Ancelotti said: "I don't want to speak the names of the players. The club control the market, (Alexandre) Pato and (Andrea) Pirlo are Milan players."