the wes

He didn’t want Le Coq Sportif anymore. He wanted to work with a company that was more identifiably British. A 10-year ‘brand partnership’ was therefore signed, in June this year, with Umbro. Although it’s a subsidiary of Nike - Cook’s former employer - Umbro is pretty much still regarded as an English business. The logo reads: Tailored by Umbro in England and the company even supplied the kits when City won the FA Cup in 1934. A new kit goes on sale next week and how City would love John Terry to be the man who leads the team out in it when the Premier League season starts in August. Terry is England captain, they don’t come more English than the 28-year-old and he embodies many of the strengths of English football. City, like Chelsea, have identified him as the kind of figurehead the club needs. This week Carlo Ancelotti called him a “symbol” of Chelsea and he is exactly that. Now City want him to be their symbol. Interestingly, Terry is also clearly associated with a particular brand of sports manufacturer. Yep, Umbro. He, along with Michael Owen, has been the main face used by the company to promote its kits, clothing and boots, including for England. Given Cook’s background in sports marketing and branding - he joined City from Nike where he was president of the so-called ‘Brand Jordan’ - it’s natural to assume that he spoke to Umbro about his plans for Terry. It’s a clear synergy, with Umbro, no doubt, also involved in the economics of the deal. They would be delighted to lure Terry from Chelsea whose supplier is adidas. Such sportswear deals are worth multi-millions. It’s rumoured that Michael Ballack only chose Chelsea because he also has a deal with adidas and whether or not that is true, the German midfielder is known as “Mr adidas” at Stamford Bridge. At the same time adidas were delighted at the signings of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo by Real Madrid because both players have, previously, had such close and lucrative links with Nike. Cook’s strength is marketing and brand awareness and its unthinkable that in his discussions over Terry and the eye-watering salary City are prepared to pay him, plus the huge transfer fee for a 28-year-old, that he has not factored in the money that can be recouped through the close links the club and the player have with Umbro. It also shows, perhaps, the direction in which more and more proposed transfer deals are moving. Its increasingly a business transaction as much, if not more, than a sporting one.

Tevez

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_5418245,00.html

<h2 class="padding-bottom-7" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.05em;"> RICARDO CARVALHO has told Chelsea he wants to quit the club to join Inter Milan. </h2> The Portugal defender is desperate to link up with old Blues boss Jose Mourinho at the San Siro. And he has urged Stamford Bridge chiefs to accept a bid from the Italian side. Carvalho said: "I have made up my mind and I want to open a new cycle in my career. "I feel ready to do it. I had a chance to discuss this with the Chelsea directors and they know what I think. Now we'll see what happens. "I have been living in London for the past five years and I have had some marvellous moments. "The first four seasons were wonderful, but the last one was difficult. "Now I think it's right that Chelsea and I go our separate ways." Carvalho has been linked with a switch to Manchester City but he insists his heart is set on Inter. He added: "I spoke to my agent and he knows what I want. "If I leave Chelsea, I want to play for another great club, not an average side - otherwise I will honour my contract in London. "Inter are a top club, better yet, a special club. I have heard good things about them and I don't even need to talk to Mourinho. "He is a great professional and working with him again would be an big stimulus for me. "I still have a lot to prove and I am not at the end of my career."

http://www.tribalfootball.com/category/clubs/roma QUOTE Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi is a big-money target for Chelsea. Il Romanista says De Rossi is now Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti's No1 choice to strengthen his midfield this summer - ahead of even AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo. In reaction to speculation linking De Rossi with a £40 million bid from Real Madrid, Roma chief Bruno Conti last week scoffed: "De Rossi isn't worth £40 million, he's worth much, much more."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11096_5417669,00.html

i pick essien

both would do

JOHN TERRY will this week be told to hand in a written transfer request to prove he's serious about quitting Chelsea. Manchester City have made a second move for the England skipper with a £30million offer. But Chelsea will only do business at a staggering £45m - and only if Terry admits to the fans he wants to quit Stamford Bridge. That's the no-nonsense response from new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti on the day he takes charge. He's being backed by owner Roman Abramovich, who is not impressed by the way City's swoop for Terry has overshadowed the arrival of the Italian coach. Officially Chelsea still insist that Terry, 29 this year, is not for sale at any price and will be held to his contract which runs until 2012. With City ready to make a third approach at £45m, privately key figures at the Stamford Bridge club are dismayed by Terry's reluctance to quash the transfer talk.

REAL MADRID are on the verge of bidding for Ashley Cole after he rejected a new Chelsea deal. The England star, 28, has turned down the offer which would leave him £30,000-a-week short of the club's top earners. Cole, signed from Arsenal three years ago, wants to commit to the Blues but the contract has to be right. A source said: "Ashley loves Chelsea and is genuinely excited about working with new boss Carlo Ancelotti. "He wants to give the best years of his career to the club but the deal has to be right for such an important contract. "He needs to feel as valued as any of the club's other top players." Cole, currently on £70,000 a week, also interests European champions Barcelona. But it is big-spending Madrid who have stepped up their interest in the left-back, who has won 71 England caps. Madrid president Florentine Perez is aware the club's defence needs strengthening and new boss Manuel Pellegrini is a long-term admirer of Cole.

WE ARE OK ON THE LEFT-SIDE OF MIDFIELD M8

Welcome To The Bridge Sturridge

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says Jose Mourinho can forget about trying to sign Didier Drogba. Ancelotti insists the Ivory Coast hitman, 31, is a key part of his plans as he plots the Blues' first title triumph since 2006. Inter Milan manager Mourinho is a keen admirer of Drogba, having coached him during his time at Chelsea. But Ancelotti said: "Now I have Drogba in my team and he will be staying. "I will not sell him to Mourinho."