Chelsea tipped to seal Benatia signing and sell keeper Cech

The Daily Star tip Chelsea to complete the signing of Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, who is also said to be a target for Manchester United.

Italian press reports yesterday suggested that Chelsea planned to offer just over £30m for the Morocco international.

And the Star say the Blues are ready to seal the deal and bring Benatia in before Monday’s match against Burnley.

That would mean Chelsea would have to offload a foreign player as they would otherwise exceed the quota set by the Premier League.

It is claimed that long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech would therefore be allowed to leave for Real Madrid for £18m, with John Mikel Obi also said to be surplus to requirements.

Petr Cech of Chelsea
Cech could be on his way to Madrid, the Star say

Metro reports more speculation that Fernando Torres could leave Chelsea to return to his former club Atletico Madrid.

And there is also speculation over the ankle injury which saw Didier Drogba limp off during a pre-season friendly in Hungary at the weekend.

The Daily Mirror suggest Drogba could be out for up to four months, while the Daily Mail say a scan has shown no serious damage and the striker hopes to resume training by the end of this week.

Related West London Sport story: Injured Drogba a doubt for Burnley game

Drogba is hopeful his injury is not serious
Drogba is hopeful his injury is not serious

Meanwhile, The Sun claim Samuel Eto’o could join Liverpool following his recent departure from Stamford Bridge.

And Olympiacos are interested in re-signing Fulham’s £12m striker Kostas Mitroglou on loan, according to the Mail.

For more transfer gossip, including Chelsea being linked with Loic Remy, see Monday’s round-up.


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