Chelsea alerted as Balotelli unsettled at Inter

Chelsea are on red alert after it emerged that Inter Milan sensation Mario Balotelli is considering quitting the Serie A leaders.
Chelsea chief Frank Arnesen has posted scouts to watch the 17 year-old striker in primavera action in recent weeks and his brother, Corrado, has dropped the bombshell today that he could be on the move.
"He would like to progress, he deserves the first team," Corrado, who also acts as Balotelli's manager.
"There is no negotiations to renew his contract. In the future, Mario could go abroad."

Chelsea, Man Utd target Huntelaar will consider offers

Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is ready to consider offers from England and Spain at the end of the season.
Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are all chasing the Dutchman: "First it will be necessary to see what happens in the summer and soon I will make a decision. We are going to see what there is on the table and then choose.
"I like the Spanish Liga. Along with the English, it is the best one. In fact they are difficult to compare, both have good and bad things."

Chelsea's Drogba clashed with Ten Cate

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba sparked a furious row with coach Henk ten Cate at the end of this week's 4-4 thriller at Tottenham, it has been revealed.
Drogba shouted at assistant boss Steve Clarke, "What was he doing?" as he left the pitch in a rage at Grant after Chelsea blew the chance to make up ground in the Premier League title race by drawing at Tottenham.
Drogba then carried on his rant into the dressing room as he confronted Dutch coach ten Cate.
Grant took off man-of-the-match Joe Cole and also brought on defender Alex to switch to a three-man defence - even though Chelsea had never used that system before.

Drogba warns Arsenal's Gallas of hot Chelsea welcome

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says Arsenal captain William Gallas is in for a hot welcome at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Ivory Coast international is looking forward to facing former Chelsea team-mate Gallas and compatriot Kolo Toure.
"Hopefully I will score on Sunday," he said. "I will be against my mates but they also know it will not be easy for them.
"William knows he is coming to the cauldron of Stamford Bridge, like with Ashley Cole [at Arsenal], he will be booed. But they are top players and I will need help from the crowd to unsettle William."

Zola: Chelsea need more than Abramovich money

Italy U21 assistant boss Gianfranco Zola says he's unsure if Roman Abramovich was serious about buying Cagliari when he tried to bring him back to Chelsea upon the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager.
"I don't know if that's true. You should ask Mr Abramovich," Zola said. "He did meet me in Sardinia and made a couple of offers to me to come back and work for Chelsea. I was very flattered. I said to him that I care about this club very much, and when I do come back, I want to do something very valuable.
"I am getting the [coaching] knowledge so one day I can do something important for the club. Of course, I don't know if that will happen. Maybe Chelsea won't need my services. But I want to get to the point where I can talk to a player and be helpful."
On Chelsea's transformation under Abramovich, Zola added: "I try not to judge. I compare it to the years when I was playing for Chelsea, but that's not correct, because it was a different situation. The core of the team then was English, and there was a fantastic atmosphere, but Mr Abramovich came in with huge resources and did it another way. What I can say is that having a lot of money doesn't make a winning team. It's not easy to make big players bond together. That's why Mourinho did a great job.
"People say they bought the Premiership title, but a few years ago in Italy Internazionale were every year spending double, treble, what other teams spent. They couldn't win anything. That tells you that money is not everything. A winning team must have quality, but it means nothing if the players are not connected to each other."

Chelsea's Drogba unhappy with Grant tactics

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was unhappy with coach Avram Grant's tactical decisions in this week's 4-4 draw at Tottenham, it has been revealed.
Drogba approached a leading club official in the tunnel area at White Hart Lane and expressed his frustrations with the decisions that rocked the club's title aspirations.
Drogba was particularly upset by the timing of Joe Cole's substitution. The Chelsea winger had scored a wonder goal that seemed to have won the game for Grant's side and he had clearly been the best player on the pitch.
Drogba spoke to assistant manager Steve Clarke as the players left the field on Wednesday night and demanded to know "what was going on?"
That continued when he walked down the tunnel and he sought a leading club official for an explanation on how the club had "thrown away" maximum points.

Pizza trip may end England captaincy hopes for Chelsea's Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry may have lost any chance of retaining the England captaincy after taking his family to a local restaurant.
England boss Fabio Capello believes his players need to remember they represent England on and off the pitch - in the case of Terry, when he takes the family for lunch.
The Chelsea skipper this week parked his Bentley in a disabled parking spot while eating at a pizza restaurant, happy, it seems, to take the £60 parking fine.
That episode could harm his chances of continuing as England captain.

Villarreal move for Chelsea striker Pizarro

Villarreal are chasing Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro.
The striker has scored twice since his free transfer from Bayern Munich last summer.
Chelsea boss Avram Grant has given him only a handful of starts, and left him out of the Champions League squad.

Beckham back, Agbonlahor delighted as Capello names England squad

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is delighted to have been given a "second chance" for England after a hamstring injury prevented him making his debut in February.
Agbonlahor and Villa team-mates Gareth Barry, Scott Carson and Ashley Young have been named in Fabio Capello's provisional second squad for next Wednesday's friendly against France.
Capello also included David Beckham, who is hoping to win his 100th cap, as well as Middlesbrough defender David Wheater and Arsenal youngster Theo Walcott.
Agbonlahor's inclusion was no shock, however, and the striker is relishing the opportunity to make his debut.
Agbonlahor said: "It was a big blow to have to pull out of the last squad through injury so I've been hoping that I would get a second chance.
"Playing for England is a dream for everyone and I want to do my best for them. Hopefully I can show Mr Capello what I am capable of."
Provisional squad:
Goalkeepers:James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan)
Defenders: Bridge (Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Woodgate (Tottenham), Upson (West Ham)
Midfielders: Barry (Aston Villa), Young (Aston Villa), Bentley (Blackburn), J Cole (Chelsea), Lampard (Chelsea), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Man Utd), Downing (Middlesbrough), Jenas (Tottenham)
Forwards: Walcott (Arsenal), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Crouch (Liverpool), Rooney (Man Utd), Owen (Newcastle), Defoe (Portsmouth).

A.Cole apologises to Hutton & Riley

Ashley Cole today apologised for his tackle on Alan Hutton and also made it clear he did not mean to disrespect referee Mike Riley following the incident at Tottenham last night.
Cole wanted to issue a statement today after he had seen both incidents on television this morning. He said: " I'd like to apologise to anyone I offended and of course Alan Hutton who I tackled. I didn't mean to go in hard that way, it was high but I tried to read the ball and get the ball first, but he was a little bit too quick for me. It wasn't malicious and I'm a little disappointed with what people are saying, that I meant it. Of course it was a bad tackle at the time but in the heat of the moment you want to win the game and win every tackle, and as I said I'm sorry for Alan, but it was never meant."
Following the tackle he was booked by Riley and there has been a lot of comment about Cole's reaction, but he said: "I'm an emotional person, things can happen on the pitch very quickly but I didn't mean to disrespect the referee. I recognise this is a part of my game that I need to work on and control."

Chelsea encouraged in move for Atletico Madrid's Aguero

Chelsea are set to be encouraged to bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.
DiarioSport says Atletico president Enrique Cerezo wants to overhaul his playing staff in the summer and needs to raise cash to carry out his plans.
Cerezo is determined to hang onto Aguero, however would sell if Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich makes the right offer.

Chelsea's Cole: Title race wide open

After scoring twice in last night's 4-4 thriller at Tottenham, Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole says the Premiership title race is wide-open.
"Don't write off anybody. It's anyone's title still," said the England ace.
"It's been a long season and the next two months there will be ups and downs. But the team that wins it, will be the team who can focus and concentrate."

Chelsea, Man City circle for Barcelona's Assulin

Chelsea and Manchester City are among Premiership clubs chasing Barcelona teen Gay Assulin.
Assulin is being tracked by a number of top English clubs.
The 16-year-old midfielder will make his debut for Israel against Chile next Wednesday and agent Pini Zahavi is already dealing with a flood of enquiries.

Reaction: More than unusual

Avram Grant has admitted his disappointment after tonight's 4-4 draw, and was at a loss to explain the side's poor defending from Tottenham set pieces, which allowed our hosts to claw their way back into the game.
Having led three times in the game, the points looked safe until Robbie Keane popped up in the 88th minute to steal a point for Juande Ramos' men, which means we lose ground on league leaders Manchester United, who beat Bolton 2-0 tonight.
'It's very disappointing, we come with so many positives from this game but we didn't win, it's very disappointing when we lead 1-0, 3-1, then conceded goals from corners and a free-kick, and then a big mistake and Robbie Keane scored a fantastic goal,' Grant summarised.
'I think one of ours strengths is we defend well at corners and free-kicks, but in the last two games Tottenham scored against us six goals, five from set pieces. I don't know how to explain this; it's more than unusual for us.'
Despite dropping two points, Grant believes we are still very much in the hunt for the title, and with Arsenal to come at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, there is all to play for.
'It's not easy to play, even though we scored four fantastic goals, they were all very nice. We have one point, we wanted three and are still in the race of course. We continue fighting like we did until now,' he stressed.
'Sunday is another game, it's a good game against Arsenal, we are closer to them than before, and we want to win. We will come to fight.'
Having made defensive substitutions to deal with Tottenham's attacking threat, Grant was disappointed to see Spurs pull level, but was happy to give explanation as to why he had made those changes, with Alex replacing Salomon Kalou, and double goal scorer Joe Cole being replaced by Michael Ballack.
'We led, we were winning and then they made changes to play with three strikers and played direct balls, so I put Alex on because he is good in this [situation], and he [Cole] was very good, but he was a little bit tired.
'We wanted to play one more in midfield because we knew they would play direct balls and we wanted to pass the ball better, so Joe was out for the last minutes.'

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Chelsea key to title destination

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits it's "squeaky bum time" in their battle with Arsenal and Chelsea for the Premiership title.
Speaking after United's 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers, Fergie said: "It will go to the wire, that's for sure. Chelsea will be key to it. They have to play us both at home and their home record is very good.
"The important thing is that we have a lead now. It is not a significant lead but it is a lead. With eight games to go the most consistent team will win the league and we are in a good position.
"Yes, it's squeaky bum time again. We will just go to bed and pray that we can do it again."

Spurs convinced Chelsea's Cole should've seen "red"

Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole courted controversy after his ugly challenge on Tottenham defender Alan Hutton during their amazing 4-4 draw.
Spurs players surrounded referee Mike Riley following the challenge in the first half and furious assistant manager Gus Poyet told fourth official Steve Bennett: "That is a red card and you know it."
Tottenham manager Juande Ramos said: "The referee decided it was a yellow card, but we've seen tackles which were much less serious and they have earned red cards.
"Robbie Keane was sent off for a tackle less serious than that against Birmingham. But we have to respect the officials' decisions.
"It's best not to dwell on that kind of action. We're just very fortunate there weren't any injuries to players."
This incredible match boiled over when Frank Lampard took out Jermaine Jenas, who had to be substituted at half-time, but there was more to come.
The major flashpoint occurred when Cole clashed with Hutton and Tottenham demanded the left back's dismissal. Players clashed as they walked down the tunnel and Poyet could be seen remonstrating with Cole.
Poyet said: "It would be unfair on Ashley to talk about only his challenge after the game we had. I prefer not to go into it, but it looked strange."
Incredibly, Chelsea manager Avram Grant claimed he did not see the incident - even though it happened in front of the Chelsea bench.
Grant said: "The assistant referee was in my way. I saw the Tottenham bench jump up, but the referee was two metres away. We must respect his decision."

Spurs No2 Poyet: I left Chelsea due to Ranieri tinkering

Tottenham No2 Gus Poyet says he left Chelsea because of Claudio Ranieri's tinkering.
"I still have a strong feeling for them," said the former Uruguay midfielder.
"I played in a very good Chelsea team and for most of the time we were in control of games. We won very good trophies in England and in Europe and it was one of the best times in my career. They still have the quality to win the Premier League and the Champions League this season.
"I took a lot of stick from the Chelsea supporters for joining Tottenham, but I had to stay in London for the sake of my childrens' education.
"I was a victim of Claudio Ranieri's changes. I had a year left on my contract and was still very fit to play, but the manager thought I couldn't play week in, week out. The same thing happened to Dennis Wise and he had been the captain for 11 years.
"I knew I was joining a rival club but I didn't view it in those terms. I asked myself what the great, great rivalries are in London and I would say it's Tottenham- Arsenal. Maybe people might now add Tottenham-Chelsea, but for me it is not up there with Arsenal.
"So I didn't have that pressure from my side, although I realised afterwards because of the reaction from the Chelsea supporters who asked how it was possible that I was coming to Spurs and how I was betraying them."

Makelele insists Chelsea in title race

Claude Makelele insists Chelsea are well within the Premiership title race.
Before last night's 4-4 draw at Tottenham, the veteran said: "The team needs its experience and to give everything. We have a lot of possibilities to win this trophy.
"I am not surprised at how close it is, the team is strong, with character. We have good players, top players, with a lot of ambition. I have a lot of ambition, and we have experience to fight.

Mellis hopes kids can inspire Chelsea to Premiership title

England U17 midfielder Jacob Mellis hopes an FA Youth Cup final victory over Aston Villa will inspire his senior Chelsea teammates to Premiership success.
Chelsea reached the final after last night's 3-2 semifinal victory at Aston Villa and Mellis said: "If we can win the trophy, it will give the club a boost. Hopefully, it will help the senior boys and they will follow on and win a trophy too.
"John Terry and Ashley Cole had a screen set up to watch the first leg of our tie in their hotel before the Barnsley game and it drove us on to do better."

Sheffield Wednesday extend deal for Chelsea's Sahar

Sheffield Wednesday have secured the services of on-loan Chelsea striker Ben Sahar for a further month.
The Israel international initially signed for the Yorkshire club on a one-month loan from Crystal Palace in February but will now extend his stay until April 19.
The 19-year-old has played three times for the Owls who currently lie in the final relegation spot in the Championship, just one point from safety.
Wednesday boss Brian Laws said: "I'm delighted Ben has agreed to stay for a second month. He's not figured much as yet because of injury and then illness.
"But he's hungry to play, he wants to prove himself here and hopefully he will do that."

Grant's Chelsea fail again in Spurs thriller

Chelsea again failed to win in a crucial game after allowing Tottenham to fight-back in their 4-4 thriller at White Hart Lane.
With Manchester United defeating Bolton, Avram Grant's men are now five points behind the league leaders with eight games remaining following Robbie Keane's dramatic late equaliser.
Grant still has an impressive percentage of victories but is yet to win a "big" game - against Manchester United or Arsenal in the league, Barnsley in the FA Cup or Tottenham in the Carling Cup final.
The 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane came after Chelsea opened the scoring and led 3-1 and 4-3.
"Every game in which we drop points is a big game," said Grant.
"If we won would it have been a big game? We lost against Barnsley and it became a big game. Every game we drop points is a big game.
"I can be happy only that, in the league, we haven't dropped that many points, otherwise there would have been more big games.
"Every game here is big. If we didn't win we wouldn't be in this position.
"What is a critical game? Every game at Chelsea is critical.
"If we'd lost other games, we wouldn't be in this position. Every game we win is a normal game. Every time we drop points is a big game."
Keane earned Spurs a point with two minutes remaining when he curled into the top corner from 25 yards, taking advantage of a long clearance that fell to him off Ricardo Carvalho after the defender was caught with his back to the ball.
Didier Drogba had given Chelsea an early lead with a header from John Terry's cross, but Jonathan Woodgate levelled in the 11th minute when he headed home from Jermaine Jenas' free-kick.
Michael Essien and Joe Cole established a two-goal advantage for the visitors but Spurs staged a comeback and were level again through Dimitar Berbatov and Tom Huddlestone.
England midfielder Cole looked to have earned maximum points with a neat finish with 10 minutes remaining - but Keane had the last word in a thrilling evening.

Chelsea boss Grant defends 2-goal Cole substitution

Chelsea boss Avram Grant defended his decision to substitute two-goal Joe Cole when leading in their 4-4 draw with Tottenham.
Grant said: "We wanted to play more in midfield, have one more in midfield because we knew they would play a direct ball. We wanted to pass the ball better. That's why we took him off."

Werder president Born warns Chelsea, Real Madrid off Diego

Werder Bremen president Jurgen Born has warned Chelsea and Real Madrid that star playmaker Diego is not for sale at any price.
The 23-year-old Brazil international has been one of the most impressive performers in the Bundesliga this season and has been linked with a move to both Avram Grant's Blues and Spanish giants Real.
But the former Porto midfielder, who signed a one-year extension to his deal at the Weserstadion earlier this season, is under contract until 2011.
Werder are already resigned to losing Tim Borowski to Bayern Munich in the summer and Born is determined the club's most prized asset will not follow him out the door.
He said: "If someone wants to buy Diego, they have to kill me first. Diego will only leave Werder over my dead body.
"No one has rang me from Madrid - neither regarding Diego nor any other Werder players.
"Diego is not for sale. He has a contract with us until 2011 and is the most important player in our team."

Chelsea's Ferreira puts Europe ahead of Premiership

Paulo Ferreira has his ambitions set firmly on the Champions League despite Chelsea's new challenge for the Premier League title.
In his four years at Chelsea, they have twice been knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool in the semi-finals.
And when asked what he would like most to achieve this season, the Portuguese defender said: "I would have to say the Champions League, and I think we can do it.
"With Chelsea I've won the Premier League twice, the Carling Cup twice and last season we added the FA Cup. And although I've won the Champions League with Porto, it's something I would love to do with Chelsea.
"We're a big club and everyone here wants that trophy.
"So we'll do everything we can to make it happen and we'll keep trying until it does. But we also want to get the Premier League crown back too."
Ferreira reckons Chelsea, despite being outsiders for much of the season, can take back the title from Manchester United.
"It's still very close at the top," he said.
"No team is running away with it and in a competition like the Premier League anything can happen."

Chelsea owner Abramovich turns to Ajax's Huntelaar

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is weighing up a bid for Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Abramovich sees Huntelaar as a replacement for the unsettled Didier Drogba and knows Ajax are seeking £22 million for the prolific forward.
Huntelaar worked with Chelsea No2 Henk ten Cate at Ajax and also is admired by Blues chief Frank Arnesen.

Man City to beat Chelsea, Man Utd for Barcelona's Giovani

Manchester City are moving for Barcelona sensation Giovani dos Santos.
Dos Santos is represented by agent Pini Zahavi, who has strong links with City owner Thaksin Shinawatra and is now rated the 'chosen' transfer wheeler-dealer at City.
Zahavi also has been in contact with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United about Dos Santos.

Arsenal, Chelsea rival Real Madrid for Coutinho

Arsenal and Chelsea are in contact with Vasco da Gama for midfield whiz Coutinho.
Real Madrid are opening talks with Vasco about a deal for the 16 year-old, but face competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Chelsea make contact with Werder Bremen's Diego

Chelsea are in the frame for Werder Bremen midfielder Diego.
Blues boss Avram Grant insisted last week the Brazilian was not on his radar, but AS says the London giants have made contact with the midfielder's minders about his interest in moving to London in the summer.

Chelsea boss Grant: Terry just like Zidane

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has likened skipper John Terry to French legend Zinedine Zidane.
"The most important thing is loyalty to the club. They pay the money and give you the opportunity. A player doesn't need to be loyal to a manager, although he has to respect him," said Grant.
"I can compare John Terry with Zinedine Zidane. He didn't say 'I'm loyal to this coach'. But he was always loyal to the club he played for. It is the same with John Terry. In very difficult moments when some people were confused a little bit, he showed his loyalty to the club. They owe him a lot."

Carvalho roars Chelsea to derby double

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is convinced they can collect maximum points from this week's derby double against Tottenham and Arsenal.
Portuguese World Cup star Carvalho said: "These two derbies are decisive for us. If we get the six points then we will put pressure on Manchester United in the race for the title.
"We cannot afford to fail now. We know that the Tottenham and Arsenal games are so important because it will put us back in touch with the leaders.
"We suffered a big blow when we lost to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final and, of course, we want to make up for that and show people what we are capable of.
"It was the same in the FA Cup. Some people lost belief in us and that did affect our confidence, of course.
"But if we win these two games then we will be back in the title race - believing we can win it.
"Even though we have suffered badly in the two cup competitions, we have come back strongly and fought like lions in every match since.
"We are as dangerous and as strong as ever, and determined to win a trophy this season.
"We know for a club like Chelsea it would be seen as a failure not to win a major title."

Grant confident keeping Chelsea job

Avram Grant is convinced he will be in charge of Chelsea for the start of next season.
He is already planning for next season, discussing with friends the players he might sign in the summer. In short, he is not behaving like a manager who believes that his days in the job are numbered.

Chelsea boss Grant defends winless record in big games

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has defended his record in the big games this season.
Along with the Carling Cup final, Grant has struggled to compete with the managers of the Premiership's biggest clubs, but insists he has what it takes.
Reflecting on defeat Spurs at Wembley, Grant said: "I don't think I made mistakes with my selection.
"It's just one more bad day in the life of a team. We went in to the game with a very strong team. We played with Essien, Mikel and Lampard in midfield. Wright-Phillips had been our best player in the semi.
"Drogba and Anelka are great strikers, we had a great defence and it was a good selection."
Grant absolved himself of any blame for defeats against Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and, infamously, Barnsley.
"If you call Barnsley a big match - on paper it wasn't a big match," he claimed. "I had only been in the job one day when we lost at Manchester United.
"We lost at Arsenal due to a big mistake but they were not better than us," he added. "When you win against Tottenham in the league it's reasonable. When we lose against them in the Carling Cup, it's a big match. I accept that's our life. I'm sure if we beat Tottenham it will be reasonable. If we lose, it will be a big match."

Chelsea boss Grant calls for Terry to be made England captain

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has called on Fabio Capello to name John Terry as England captain.
He said: "England needs John Terry more than John Terry needs England. Gerrard is one of my favourite players, but I see John Terry as a captain. If John Terry had been playing against Croatia, England would be going to Euro 2008."

Obi Mikel: I love Chelsea

John Obi Mikel admits he loves Chelsea.
The Nigeria midfielder said: "The team are all quality players and all big players. You just have to go in there and make sure you do things your own way.
"When I play for the team and I try to make sure we win,' he added: 'I love this club and I love playing for this team."

West Ham's Solano urges Pizarro to fight for Chelsea place

West Ham midfielder Nobby Solano has urged Peru teammate Claudio Pizarro to stay and fight for his place at Chelsea.
"The Premier League is one of the toughest in the world," he said. "Claudio didn't have the chance to complete a full pre-season with Chelsea so that start affected him.
"His situation is also difficult because Chelsea have players like Didier Drogba. He knew that, and that is why it is a challenge for him.
"When you arrive at a team you start from zero. He is professional so he has to be calm.
"Football always gives you a chance. He will have to wait for that opportunity."

Chelsea boss Grant: We can't always entertain

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has warned fans not to expect his team to always play with style.
Chelsea smashed Derby for six last week with flair and imagination but then followed that by grinding out a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Grant admits that while his first choice is to play with style, he also accepts that occasionally he will have to settle for little less flamboyance.
He added: "When you play with style you win more games than without.
"But you can't play every game in an exciting manner. We want to win every game. But I think you need to think differently about style.
"If we were playing with style but losing, I wouldn't want to play with style.
"It's about knowing how to do it and how to win."

Juventus coach Ranieri demands Chelsea's Lampard

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is urging his board to go for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard this summer.
Ranieri has told his Juve directors to make a genuine leap in quality they must sign Lampard for next season.
Juve's board will hold a fresh round of transfer talks today.

Chelsea boss Grant to take Cech gamble for Arsenal clash

Chelsea boss Avram Grant is ready to gamble with Petr Cech's fitness by calling the goalkeeper up for Sunday's massive encounter with Arsenal.
Cech, 25, is having round-the-clock treatment on an ankle injury to get him ready to face title rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Cech was due to be out for several more weeks after suffering the blow in training, which has left Carlo Cudicini to deputise. Cudicini will play tomorrow at Tottenham but Chelsea boss Avram Grant is desperate to get his first-choice keeper back for the weekend,

Chelsea keeper Cech delighted with Arsenal slide

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is delighted with Arsenal's recent form slide in the Premiership.
"With the season coming to its end, every game is now very important and every won point is golden," Cech said.
"It is good that we have three (after Chelsea won 1-0 at Sunderland on Saturday).
Regarding Arsenal's recent slump, Cech added: "We have hoped for exactly such a situation - that we will be winning and our rivals will begin losing points."

Barcelona's Messi big fan of Premiership

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi admits he's a big fan of the Premiership.
Barca are the only Spanish representative left in the Champions League quarterfinals - which is dominated by four Premiership clubs.
Messi said: "Manchester United are very good and Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player who I watch a lot.
"The other top English teams - Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool - are capable of success too, because they have special players like Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres.
"The best Premier League clubs also have the experience of doing well in the Champions League."

Man City sound out Chelsea's Sidwell

Manchester City have made an approach for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.
Manchester City have expressed an interest in signing Sidwell at the end of the season. The midfield player moved to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Reading last summer but the 25-year-old has failed to make an impact.

Chelsea watch as Getafe president expects Premiership move for Laudrup

Getafe president Angel Torres fears losing coach Michael Laudrup to the Premiership at the end of the season.
Chelsea and Barcelona have been linked with the Dane and Torres said: "Laudrup is an excellent man who deserves our help and respect.
"We'll help him but it is pointing more in the direction of England than to Barcelona, even though I would like him to stay with us."

Chelsea, Man City target Diego unsure of Werder Bremen future

Werder Bremen playmaker Diego is unsure of his future after being linked with Chelsea and Manchester City this week.
"The decision lies with the club. If Klaus Allofs and the president say that I stay, then I play on for Werder," Diego said.
"Speculations and rumours are normal in the football business, which annoy me.
"The only thing that bothers me are lies that are disseminated."

Ex-Chelsea star Morris impressing at St Johnstone

Former Chelsea and Leeds midfielder Jody Morris is winning over fans at St Johnstone.
St Johnstone teammate Allan McManus admits: "It is unbelievable having a player like Jody here. I'm completely baffled by it, to be honest. Each day I ask him what he's doing here. He has played at the very top, winning medals with Chelsea and playing in Europe. And he's a nice guy.
"Jody might not be 100% fit, but the boy can definitely play. He has amassed such a wealth of knowledge and experience. Younger guys here like Rocco Quinn and Liam Craig are getting a great chance to learn from a player who has genuine status."

Joe Cole: Chelsea want Tottenham Cup revenge

Joe Cole has warned Tottenham to expect a different Chelsea from the team who lost in the Carling Cup final when the two sides meet again in The Premier League on Wednesday.
But having hit form in the league, Chelsea are now only three points behind table-topping Manchester United and Cole insists The Blues are back on track and brimming with confidence.
"Our form was indifferent leading up to the Carling Cup final and it culminated in that match where we didn't play anywhere near as well as we would have liked," Cole said.
"But who knows? Perhaps losing the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup game at Barnsley might turn out to be a bit of a blessing if it helps us address where we were going wrong in the weeks leading up to those games - and make us wonder if we'd taken our eye off the prize a little bit.
"Maybe now we've seen the other end of the scale. The Chelsea everyone saw lose to Spurs was low on confidence and didn't play with anywhere near enough intensity and confidence.
"We've come back well but we know there are still improvements to be made."

Chelsea skipper Terry: Sunderland's Jones best in Premiership

Chelsea captain John Terry rates Sunderland centre-forward Kenwyne Jones as the biggest aerial threat in the Premiership.
After victory at Sunderland on Saturday, matchwinner Terry said: "He is a very good player, very hard-working and probably the best in the air in the entire Premier League. He really is that good.
"All the lads were talking about him afterwards in the dressing room, saying how well he did and how impressive he was.
"If Sunderland can stay up and keep hold of him, they have a fantastic chance of kicking on."

Man City to trump West Ham for Chelsea's Sidwell

Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is ready to outbid West Ham for unsettled Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.
Sidwell was expected to move to Upton Park at the end of the season for £5 million. However, Eriksson is prepared to offer £6 million to take the midfielder north.

Terry:We've shown we want trophies

John Terry, scorer of the only goal at Sunderland, felt Chelsea had worked hard to earn the win after a tough game against Roy Keane's side.
The captain leapt high in the 10th minute to head into the back of the net for a trademark Terry set-piece goal, and explained afterwards how it had gone to plan.
'It has been a long time coming but I am delighted to get the goal that got us the three points today, that's the main thing,' explained Terry.
'I signalled to Lampsy that I was going to make that run to the post and he put in a great ball for me. Thankfully I got on the end of it, so I am delighted to get off the mark so late on in the season.'
But after the opener, Sunderland began to fight back, with Kenwyne Jones creating trouble for both Terry and Alex in the box as the Black Cats searched for the elusive equaliser.
'They are a very good side, they work very hard and are a very honest side,' said Terry.
'We had three or four chances early on, we maybe could have killed the game off, but we didn't take them. They had a couple of chances but overall I think we deserved to win the game.
'Our experience came through when we needed to dig heels in and make it difficult for them. We had to soak it up and deal with the pressure.
'But teams are going to find it hard to come here and take three points, so credit to the boys, they did very well and matched Sunderland, kept a clean sheet and got the three points.'
Those points take Chelsea to within three of the top place, with Arsenal and Manchester United level after Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.
With Chelsea playing midweek and the Gunners travelling to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, this could be the chance to overtake our north London rivals in the title race.
'We are quietly coming up [the Barclays Premier League] and we are playing very well,' insists Terry.
'We have shown in the last two games that we want to pick up the trophies this year.
'But we need to win all our games to give ourselves a chance. We have the big two still to come to Stamford Bridge and if we can beat them at home then we have a very good chance.
'We have Tottenham on Wednesday night, that is a very tough place to go and then we have Arsenal at home, so if we can keep winning and pick up maximum points we are right amongst it,' he added.

Chelsea to launch Van der Vaart bid

Chelsea are ready to move for Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart - should Frank Lampard leave in the summer.

If Lampard goes, 25-year-old international Van der Vaart, currently at Bundesliga club Hamburg, is favourite to replace him. The Holland international moved to Germany three years ago for a bargain £3.5million from Ajax.
Van der Vaart will have two years left on his contract in June and the asking price will be about £7.5m - modest by Chelsea's standards and at least as much as they would get for Lampard.

Villa stun Chelsea, Everton with Oxley move

Aston Villa have handed trials to Rotherham's brilliant young goalkeeper Mark Oxley. The 17-year-old will join Villa on trial this week. That move will stun Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Manchester City who have all been tracking the youngster.

Fenerbahce's Kezman mocks Chelsea: You're not that good

Fenerbahce striker Mateja Kezman has mocked Avram Grant's Chelsea ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal clash.
"The matches will bring back some special memories for me for the year that I spent at Chelsea," said Kezman. "That era is in the past now. I just want to get to the next round.
"I could have achieved more with the Blues but nobody can doubt that I gave my all while I was there. I was always professional although the coach did not show the complete confidence in me that I needed.
"Chelsea are favourites, nobody can doubt that, but Sevilla were favourites and we beat them.
"Right now Chelsea are not the super-team of previous years, but for them the Champions League is their main aim.
"We want to get to London still alive in the tie and that means not conceding. Even a 0-0 at home could be positive.
"Anelka and Drogba are dangerous but so were Kanoute and Luis Fabiano for Sevilla and we came through that test."