Post by Scott on May 20, 2006 1:56:38 GMT
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that he is willing to listen to offers for Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Iceland international has been an integral part of Chelsea's success in the past couple of seasons, with Mourinho finding a niche for him in midfield following the arrivals of strikers Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba.
However, German superstar Michael Ballack has been brought in this summer and two or three more high-profile signings are likely to follow.
Mourinho is looking to keep his squad well-balanced, and is prepared to make sacrifices for the good of the team.
"The position with Eidur is that he is a great football player," hailed Mourinho.
"We want to keep him but we are open to speak with clubs about him if they show a real interest in him."
Gudjohnsen's availability is likely to spark widespread interest throughout The Premiership and across the continent, but he is not the only Chelsea player set for a possible departure.
Carlton Cole has had limited opportunities during his time at Stamford Bridge, and Mourinho warned that is likely to continue if he remains.
"Carlton is one of the players we are open for negotiations," he declared. "I am not saying I do not want him here because that is not true.
"I'm not saying I want to push him away from Chelsea because it is not true.
"But I am saying that with a player like Drogba and another striker that we will buy for sure, his opportunities are not very good here.
"He is at an age where he needs to play football and we will try to find a good solution for him - either on loan or by selling him. We will try to find a solution.
"So we are waiting for clubs and possibilities to try and analyse what is best for him and best for the club."
Crespo is also expected to leave after expressing his desire to move on.
"I think he is with the Argentina team now," said Mourinho. "He didn't change one single word about his wish to move and we are still waiting for clubs with offers.
"If nobody comes with an offer that Chelsea are happy with and accept, he will have to stay with us."
I'd LOVE us to sign this guy. I really want him.
The Iceland international has been an integral part of Chelsea's success in the past couple of seasons, with Mourinho finding a niche for him in midfield following the arrivals of strikers Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba.
However, German superstar Michael Ballack has been brought in this summer and two or three more high-profile signings are likely to follow.
Mourinho is looking to keep his squad well-balanced, and is prepared to make sacrifices for the good of the team.
"The position with Eidur is that he is a great football player," hailed Mourinho.
"We want to keep him but we are open to speak with clubs about him if they show a real interest in him."
Gudjohnsen's availability is likely to spark widespread interest throughout The Premiership and across the continent, but he is not the only Chelsea player set for a possible departure.
Carlton Cole has had limited opportunities during his time at Stamford Bridge, and Mourinho warned that is likely to continue if he remains.
"Carlton is one of the players we are open for negotiations," he declared. "I am not saying I do not want him here because that is not true.
"I'm not saying I want to push him away from Chelsea because it is not true.
"But I am saying that with a player like Drogba and another striker that we will buy for sure, his opportunities are not very good here.
"He is at an age where he needs to play football and we will try to find a good solution for him - either on loan or by selling him. We will try to find a solution.
"So we are waiting for clubs and possibilities to try and analyse what is best for him and best for the club."
Crespo is also expected to leave after expressing his desire to move on.
"I think he is with the Argentina team now," said Mourinho. "He didn't change one single word about his wish to move and we are still waiting for clubs with offers.
"If nobody comes with an offer that Chelsea are happy with and accept, he will have to stay with us."
I'd LOVE us to sign this guy. I really want him.