Terry close to signing contract – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea captain John Terry is close to signing a new contract.

The defender’s current deal is due to expire this summer and he has always insisted that he wants to remain at Stamford Bridge, while Blues boss Mourinho has previously made it clear that Terry, 34, will be retained.

And Mourinho believes a new contract will be signed before the end of the season – and has suggested that terms have already been agreed.

He said: “It will be before the end of the season for sure. What I can guarantee is that he will be a Chelsea player next season.

“I can guarantee that because I know what the board tells me and what the player tells me.”

Terry’s future looked in doubt when he lost his first-team place prior to Mourinho’s return as boss.

His form since then has been outstanding and the Portuguese believes Terry’s displays mean Chelsea do not need to rush finding a long-term replacement for their inspirational skipper.

“Every one of these big guys is difficult to replace but you have to start thinking what next,” Mourinho said.

“Sometimes you have the solution just around the corner, sometimes you have to look outside your club. But this is a process in which we can take our time.”

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