Filed under: Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
After a relatively intense few weeks in which the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti was followed by the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas, things have gone quiet at Chelsea.Villas-Boas himself helped diffuse the excitement by refusing to grandstand in the manner of predecessor and one-time mentor Jose Mourinho immediately following his appointment.
And the understated mood has been consolidated by a lack of eye-catching transfer activity that would confirm the anticipated - and much-needed - overhaul of an ageing squad had finally clicked into gear.
Thibaut Courtois, the 19-year-old goalkeeper, is expected to complete a £5 million move from Genk shortly. Otherwise, the most exciting news to come out of the club was Josh McEachran's new, five-year contract, timely given the knee injury to
Michael Essien that will keep the Ghana midfielder out for at least six months.
The ongoing attempt to sign Tottenham's Luka Modric has offered the most tantalising prospect of new blood while the unexpected link with West Ham's Scott Parker suggests a pragmatic note will underpin business in the coming weeks.
The opening game of the Villas-Boas era, perhaps unsurprisingly, offered few hints of fireworks to come with Chelsea ambling to a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth, helped on their way by an own-goal from former defender Tal Ben Haim.
Speaking after the game at Fratton Park Villas-Boas remained sanguine about the Modric situation that clearly has a long way to run yet.
The Croatia international was believed to have handed in a transfer request, although a report in the Sunday Mirror suggests this may not be the case. Either way, Spurs' desire to keep the player shows no sign of wilting.
"If it happens it happens, if it doesn't happen we respect whatever position Tottenham takes," said Villas-Boas. "Also, the prices that we are talking about are incredible. It's a lot of money. So let's judge it carefully."
"We didn't have a chance to meet personally. But I wouldn't like to extend myself on what is the focus of the press at the moment."
The Essien injury has only reinforced the need to strengthen and a decision about a move for Parker, whether on loan or as a permanent recruit, will be made shortly although Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, a long term admirer of the player, articulated the issues surrounding a move for the 30-year-old.
"If you take into account the fee of around £8m, signing on fees and wages you're talking about a £30m deal," said Redknapp told the Sunday Mirror, suggesting this was enough to rule out any interest from Spurs in a player with no resale value. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will harbour similar doubts.
Villas-Boas is still assessing his squad and is showing no outward signs of impatience to bring in new players.
That situation can't continue for much longer, however, especially as Chelsea's main rivals have already concluded pieces of business.
Abramovich has got his man. Now he needs to step up the efforts to give Villas-Boas the tools to do the job he wants the manager to do.
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