BlueLion.

I don't see any reason why Malouda, Zhirkov and Cole can't be rotated like Duff, Robben and Cole under Mourinho.

What had Mourinho done before Porto? Very little. Managers, when they find the right club, settle into a policy of trophy triumph after trophy triumph. Even Ferguson didn't have the best of records heading into the United job. I expect him to last the three years his contract dictates.

After a very light jog early this afternoon, there was a second session later on that demanded a little more from those present. A simple warm-up was followed by a string of exercises designed to get the players moving, at varying speeds and distances, working with a ball to disguise the amount of work being done. Joe Cole, training with freedom after rehabilitating his cruciate ligament injury, looked as pleased as anyone to have a ball at his feet again. From the official site.

For argument's sake, I'll go for FL8.

We don't know if the quotes are genuine, however.

He wore the number 18 in training today, suggesting that will be his squad number next season.

Agreed. I'd rather have Messi than Ronaldo.

Ancelotti's basically told Citeh to jog on

I dunno about Deco tbf, because he's a fabulous player at the end of the day.

Welcome to the forum. Know that I celebrated Rangers' title success... although my Celtic-supporting friends didn't

I've added a poll, chaps

I'm torn in two regarding Deco. I personally think that it was injuries and being played out of position by Scolari that made him a scapegoat for Chelsea last season. I won't deny that I didn't join in, but in all fairness, his performances were poor, very poor, up until the Bordeaux game in September. Prior to that, he looked world class and looked the missing piece of the puzzle. Left midfield is not his position, which contributed to his poor form, and niggling injuries prevented him from getting a good run in the team again. Now I am a massive fan of the player, I simply think he came to the club four seasons too late. Signing him instead of perhaps Tiago or Smertin back during Mourinho's reign would have been a better option - Mourinho knew him inside out, of course. The man has undeniable talent and at Chelsea we've seen players such as Malouda and Ballack step it up in their second season at the club. So do we keep him, or sell him off? I ask this because of the fact he's turned up for pre-season. Deco is a great player but should he be at the Bridge next season?

Best not be wank then.

Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Nicolas Anelka, John Mikel Obi and Alex. All of them are massive, massive talents.

Its the transition from Russia to England, the temperature difference is astounding

Different players. Owen is the sort of player who manoeuvres himself into positions where he can tap in rebounds. Anelka plays of the verge of the last man and likes to get most of his goals by running on to through-balls. They might have similar traits, but Owen is a goal-poacher like van Nistelrooy, and that is what United need.

Name: Daniel Sturridge Position: Forward Number: TBC Joined From: Manchester City Fee: Undisclosed Signed by: Carlo Ancelotti Age: 19 The second signing of Carlo Ancelotti's reign as Chelsea manager, Daniel Sturridge joins Franco di Santo as another teenage understudy to Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. A strong, powerful forward with bundles of pace and energy, Sturridge rejected an improved contract at the City of Manchester Stadium following the end of the 2008/09 season, alerting Chelsea's Italian coach. Sturridge joined just a day after Chelsea had confirmed their first transfer of the summer; another young English player in the form of goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. With UEFA pushing for more homegrown players to be imported into squads, Sturridge will join both Turnbull and Chelsea's other young English prospects, including the likes of Jacob Mellis, Michael Mancienne and Jack Cork, as the club look to increase their English quota at the club. Though Sturridge will be hard-pressed to gain a space in Ancelotti's starting eleven with strikers such as the aforementioned Drogba and Anelka at the club, the young English forward was part of a similar set-up to Manchester City last season - with strikers such as Robinho, Caicedo and Bellamy being preferred - but still managed to net four goals in 27 appearances last term - despite the overwhelming majority of those coming as a substitute. Sturridge scored a penalty against Arsanal in 2008, which resigned the Gunners to a 3-0 defeat at Eastlands, and was the catalyst in a stunning fight-back at Ewood Park, where he scored and created two goals in the space of five minutes as City came from 2-0 down to secure a point. More of the same attitude from the young striker would certainly be welcomed at Stamford Bridge. Sturridge has made an immediate impression in Chelsea blue; scoring against the Seattle Sounders in a 2-0 friendly win, before winning a penalty against Internazionale, that was duly converted by teammate Frank Lampard.

Name: Ross Turnbull Position: Goalkeeper Number: TBC Joined From: Middlesbrough Fee: Bosman transfer Signed by: Carlo Ancelotti Age: 24 Signed on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling from Middlesbrough, Ross Turnbull became Carlo Ancelotti's first signing as Chelsea manager in July 2009. A product of the northern club's youth academy, the 24 year old shot-stopper rose to fame at the Riverside Stadium last season by establishing himself as the club's number one following the sale of Mark Schwarzer to Fulham. Towards the end of the season, however, as the team's fragile defence began to leak goals, Turnbull found himself rotated along with Brad Jones for the starting position. The young goalkeeper could only watch from the bench as Jones and Middlesbrough succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Upton Park on the final day of the season, relegating them from the Premier League. Out of contract and determined to continue his career in the top division in England, Turnbull was long-linked with clubs such as Stoke and Birmingham City before interest from Chelsea was brought to the attention of the media. Turnbull officially joined the club on just the second day of the Summer transfer window. Though the 24 year old has undeniable talent, he will be hard-pressed to push Petr Cech for the number one jersey, and will therefore battle it out with fans' favourite Henrique Hilario for a position as Cech's understudy. Turnbull certainly has a bright future, and many Chelsea fans hope that future will mostly be spent at SW6. Turnbull made his Chelsea debut in a 2-0 friendly win over Internazionale, replacing Petr Cech in the 62nd minute and preserving the clean sheet with a number of saves.

This is like making me choose between Frank and Petr, I can't possibly do it But on a more serious note, I think Sneijder's consistency is what would tip the balance. VdV is a wonderful player, as well though.

Of course, its very, very likely that the signing will be officially announced during Blues News tonight. I've just changed the title because its not official yet

Ancelotti basically said to Man City - fuck off

Chelsea Football Club can confirm that we have reached agreement with CSKA Moscow for the transfer of Yuri Zhirkov. The player is in London today and will join Chelsea subject to a medical and agreement of personal terms. From the official site. I've changed the topic title because he hasn't actually joined just yet

Nothing official's been said yet, but the deal is looking very likely to be completed very, very soon. Delighted.

Have to be 18 in England I think

Agreed. United have nothing to lose; he goes there for abolsutely no cost at all. Owen's a proven goalscoring. Newcastle were basically shit; with support from the likes of Rooney and Giggs who have incredibly good vision, he'll bang in 10 to 15 goals next season; which is more than we got from a £30 million striker. Sir Alex Ferguson is a right old fucker because he takes gambles like this and they usually pay off. United have nothing to lose from this.