Chelsea FC Deadline Day: Franck Ribery, Luka Modric, Yossi Benayoun and More

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea head into the final day of the transfer window with the intent of splashing some major cash. Their chase for several top internationals from around continental Europe is heading down to the wire, and with so little time left, there is no telling what will happen next.

Andre Villas-Boas is keen on bringing in at least one or two more players while trying to trim the excess from his squad. His new signings are most likely to come at the expense of several veteran players and at least one that has never gotten his career off the ground at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have made a great turn around after their opening day draw with Stoke City, and with the addition of several new players alongside already arrived and debuted Juan Mata, Chelsea could be set for one of their best title challenges yet.

However, the efforts of both Manchester City and Liverpool have them neck and neck with Chelsea as top contenders to push for the top spot in England......Click for all the News.

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Liverpool FC Transfer Rumours: Yossi Benayoun Will Not Be Returning to Anfield

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea tried to complete a last minute player plus cash deal that would see Raul Meireles go to Stamford Bridge and see the Reds former sprightly attacking midfielder Yossi Benayoun come back to his Merseyside roots along with a £7 million purse.

However, Kenny Dalglish and Damien Camolli have seen off Andre Villa-Boas and his attempt to reclaim his former charge Meireles whom he sold to Liverpool at the beginning of last season while still managing FC Porto.

Meireles has emerged as a standout player for the Reds and is currently out with a collarbone issue. His substitute performance alongside Luis Suarez in the Arsenal game two weekends ago proved how valuable he can be to the club.

He also has proved that he can provide a spark when the club needs it most as he was the player who peaked just as Kenny Dalglish came back to the helm in January. The Portuguese player went on a run that saw him score five goals in six games including the single goal that lifted the Reds to a league double over Chelsea on the day of Fernando Torres' debut as a Blue.

There was simply no way that the Liverpool powers to be were letting go of one of their best assets.

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Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Final Luka Modric Bid and the Blues' Deadline Hopefuls

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea got their second straight victory of the new campaign with a tough 3-1 victory over newcomers Norwich City. The Blues went ahead thanks to a brilliant strike from Jose Bosingwa in the first half and looked comfortable going into the break.

As the next period went on, Chelsea continued to control the run of play, but the second half saw one resounding mistake from stand-in keeper Henrique Hilario. The Portuguese shot stopper allowed Canaries captain Grant Holt to make a spectacular over-the-head flick for his first Premier League goal.

Not barely a minute later, the Blues were charging on the attack to try and regain their lead, but an in-swinging cross to Didier Drogba ended in tragedy for the Ivorian. Norwich keeper John Ruddy went after the ball and instead of meeting it, his punch landed full speed on Drogba's head.

Drogba immediately went limp and literally bounced back an inch off the pitch as he hit the floor out cold.

Juan Mata and Nicolas Anelka then made their entrance as they hoped to regain the lead and at least give their fallen comrade a great result.

The cagey match continued, but would eventually turn back to the Blues when John Ruddy was sent off and Frank Lampard blasted home the resulting penalty in the 82nd minute.

Just eight minutes later, Mata combined with Fernando Torres as the new boy scored on the 90th minute for the Blues. It took Mata only 23 minutes to do what his fellow Spaniard took nearly three months to do, and has yet to repeat.

Chelsea still look set to strengthen before the window closes as Manchester United's 8-2 demolition of Arsenal suggests that the Blues need all the firepower and class they can muster in order to chase their rivals to the top of the table come May.

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Chelsea Transfer Rumors: Franck Ribery Subject of Unexpected Blues Dealine Bid

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(Bleacher Report) Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has become one of Chelsea's most recent surprise targets after Caughtoffside.com have broken speculation that the Frenchman is the subject of a £35 million bid.

The Frenchman could be brought in to start taking the place of Florent Malouda who is getting up in years at 31. Yossi Benayoun could also be on the way out with him possibly being another piece of the Blues bid puzzle to secure Luka Modric.

Benayoun has endured a tough time at Stamford Bridge, and his exit would follow the departure of Yuri Zhirkov whom also failed to reach his potential in Chelsea Blue.

With Juan Mata now on the scene the Blues could call on the 28-year old to bring in additional creative influence from the wide areas. Despite all his success in Bavaria it looks like it could be time for him to make a move.

Bayern have faltered in the last few seasons and injuries have made Ribery's last years slightly less productive. The time is right for him to make a switch and the price expected is a figure that should see the Bavarian club satisfied, but with four more years on his contract left he might not be allowed to move at all.
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Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Ajax Defender Gregory Van Der Wiel Deal Agreed? Getty Images/Getty Images

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(Bleacher Report) Both TalkSPORT and Givemefootball.com have issued reports that Chelsea have indeed agreed a deal with Ajax Amsterdam believed in the range of €32 million for wing back Gregory Van Der Wiel.

The Netherlands International has been on the Blues Radar before and with the possibility of Chelsea's Brazilian center back Alex moving to Juventus, the young starlet could be in line for a trip across the channel.

Branisvla Ivonovic would most likely fill the void at center back while Van Der Wiel would contest the spot at right back with Jose Bosingwa.

New Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas had been chasing after the signature of his former right back Alvaro Pereira, but that deal looks to be stalled and the next option on the list is the Dutchman.

With 24 appearances for the Oranje, Van Der Wiel is a top class signing, and at his age could net the club a substantial return if sold on in the future.
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Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Could Fernando Torres Leave Chelsea on Deadline Day

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(Bleacher Report) He was believed to be the Blues future, the next legend to lift the Barclay's Premier League Trophy at Stamford Bridge and be the talisman to take over the throne of Didier Drogba as the spearhead of the Chelsea Attack.

However, £50 million plus 21 appearances and only one goal later the once prolific Liverpool goal machine is on the edge of stagnation in London. What he believed to be the best move of his life may just have turned out to be devastating to his future.

The arrival of Kenny Dalglish last January at Liverpool had seen the Spaniard begin a return to form as the Reds legend knew exactly what it was like to have a bad patch leading the line as he had been in the same spot at times.

It seemed that the damage had already been done to Torres' though as a disappointing seventh place finish that saw Rafael Benitez exit Anfield, a poor appointment with Roy Hodgson at the helm and too many seasons without a trophy looked to have taken all the fight out of the Spaniard.

Unfortunately for Torres his move to London has not turned out so well. In most cases he has proved largely ineffective for the Blues upfront and has failed to replicate the deadly strikes he called upon in front of the Kop since making his move.

Juan Mata's debut goal was set up by a pass from Torres and perhaps the arrival of a fellow country man is just what the out of sorts front man needs, but that remains to be seen.

Current reports have Torres in the media as a possible last minute target for his old club Atletico Madrid as they have been tracking their former Captain. He also has been attracting interest from Spain's newest side on the rise Malaga who would more than likely have the funds to make a move if they saw the opportunity.

In all likely hood Torres will be given at least the full season to prove his new manager either right or wrong, but if he fails to produce this year I could see him making a cut rate move in late January or next summer.

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Chelsea FC: The Blues Prepare Final Luka Modric Bid Before Transfer Deadline Day

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea have been chasing Luka Modric all summer, but events this weekend could have finally brought the deal to a true turning point.

Harry Redknapp has held out and protracted the possible move for almost two months, primarily believed to be in order to raise the price that there rival Londoners will pay for the Croatian International.

Last weekend Tottenham Hotspur fell to a 3-0 defeat at the Hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford, but that was not the worst of it. Sunday afternoon saw Manchester City come to White Hart Lane for Spurs' home opener, but what the fans witnessed was brutal.

The Lillywhites faithful witness Edin Dzeko and his assistant Sergio Aguero completely run riot in the 5-1 destruction of their beloved Spurs. Dzeko scored four to take his tally for the season to six in three games, and Aguero is now on three for the year.

This humiliating defeat could finally force the hand of Harry Redknapp to allow his prized midfield play maker move across town to Chelsea. With a cool price on offer expected to be in the range of £40 million this go around Redknapp would be a fool not to take it as he needs funds for injection as fast as possible.
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English Premier League Preview: Matchday 3 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

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(Bleacher Report)The Barclay's Premier League heads into its third weekend of action on Saturday. A week of Carling Cup action as well as Champions League qualifying has seen it be an exciting week.

Several of the top-flight teams have already been dumped out of the first major domestic trophy campaign, and it leaves them with more time to focus on securing their place in the top flight for next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to be the surprise club out of the gates, as they are tied at the top of the table with Manchester United and Manchester City.

Aston Villa, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United all rebounded from opening day draws to secure their first victories of the season, leaving them in the middle at fourth through seventh place standings.

Below that comes all of those that are still to build more than a three-point collection in the first two weekends. Queens Park Rangers' surprise win over Everton sees them higher up than both other promoted clubs. Swansea City got a point against Wigan Athletic, who have failed to beat either of the new sides they have faced in the first two weekends.

Norwich City continue to be the only promoted team to be undefeated, but that is expected to possibly change when they travel to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

With more transfers having gone through this week, the rosters and possible starting 11s of several teams have changed once again, as I expect to see another weekend with new faces on debut at new clubs.

The 10 matches on display this weekend only have one or two games that are expected to be lopsided, as there is potential for some excellent battles on Saturday and Sunday with most clubs are fairly evenly matched.

That being said, let's get to the previews for this weekends offering of games in Week 3 of the 2011-12 edition of the Barclay's Premier League......CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE ROUND 3 PREVIEWS FOR THE 2011-12 BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE.

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World Football Rumors: Sneijder to Man Utd & 15 Transfers That Haven't Happened

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(Bleacher Report)Hundreds of transfer rumors have come and gone this summer. There has been no lack of excitement built up by fans, only to have their hearts crushed by a move that just did not happen for their club.

So many moves remain on the table, but the majority of the major deals look likely to have been done for the summer.

With only eight more days in the month of August for teams to try and strengthen or recover some of the cash spent through sales, it is now down to the wire.

Regardless, there are rumors going back and forth with some of the biggest possibilities still hanging in the balance. In some cases there might be just enough time for a few more big money dealings to be complete.

That said, lets take a look back at 15 moves that did not happen or are yet to fully materialize into a deal......CLICK TO START THE SLIDESHOW.

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Former Red Could Be Great Stop Gap for Gunners in Transition

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(Bleacher Report)Yossi Benayoun proved to be a game changer during his time at Liverpool. He made 134 appearances scoring 29 goals for the Reds from 2007-2010 until he signed a three year deal to move to Chelsea at the start of the 2010-11 season.

The Israeli international has suffered a long hard road since moving to Stamford Bridge however. He was believed to be a key super sub for the club that could make stand in starts as necessary. The role was most likely to be very similar to the one that Ji-Sung Park fills for Manchester United.

But none of that has materialized as he has spent the majority of his time in London on the recovery table having made only 10 appearances and scoring only one goal.

With the new regime under Andre Villas-Boas in full swing Yossi Benayoun look increasingly on the fringe of the Blues plans and a move to another London club could do him well.

Arsene Wenger is always on the lookout for a bargain, and with Villas-Boas looking to add more players, the 31-year old Benayoun looks access to his plans for the future.

Arsenal are stuck on a limited time table, and they most likely will not have time to negotiate any big deals with only nine days left. Benayoun could provide an excellent value signing at around £4 million and fill a vital role in the middle of the park on a part time basis.

His experience and skill give him the traits necessary to succeed in Wenger's system. With the youngsters still learning their trade, having a skilled veteran to assist in their development and to fill in when crunch time comes could be a great asset for the Frenchman.

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Chelsea Transfer Rumors: 5 Players the Blues Still Want

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(Bleacher Report)The arrival of Andre-Villa Boas midsummer threw a short term wrench in Chelsea Football Club's transfer agenda as he needed time to asses his squad and decide what direction he wanted to take moving forward.

He has a selection issue up front among Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and young Daniel Sturridge who had a superb loan move to Bolton Wanderers in the second part of the Blues' previous campaign.

Some low profile arrivals have so far been the extent of the Chelsea transfer moves aside from the completion of Romelu Lukaku's move from RSC Anderlecht last week.

As the final eight days are looking the new boss in the face, there are still several players that the Blues are still in the mix for......CLICK HERE TO START THE SLIDESHOW.

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Former Red Could Be Great Stop Gap for Gunners in Transition

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(Bleacher Report)Yossi Benayoun proved to be a game changer during his time at Liverpool. He made 134 appearances scoring 29 goals for the Reds from 2007-2010 until he signed a three year deal to move to Chelsea at the start of the 2010-11 season.

The Israeli international has suffered a long hard road since moving to Stamford Bridge however. He was believed to be a key super sub for the club that could make stand in starts as necessary. The role was most likely to be very similar to the one that Ji-Sung Park fills for Manchester United.

But none of that has materialized as he has spent the majority of his time in London on the recovery table having made only 10 appearances and scoring only one goal.

With the new regime under Andre Villas-Boas in full swing Yossi Benayoun look increasingly on the fringe of the Blues plans and a move to another London club could do him well.

Arsene Wenger is always on the lookout for a bargain, and with Villas-Boas looking to add more players, the 31-year old Benayoun looks access to his plans for the future.

Arsenal are stuck on a limited time table, and they most likely will not have time to negotiate any big deals with only nine days left. Benayoun could provide an excellent value signing at around £4 million and fill a vital role in the middle of the park on a part time basis.

His experience and skill give him the traits necessary to succeed in Wenger's system. With the youngsters still learning their trade, having a skilled veteran to assist in their development and to fill in when crunch time comes could be a great asset for the Frenchman.

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Juan Mata a Clear Need for Wenger but Chelsea May Beat Him to the Punch

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(Bleacher Report)Juan Mata was originally a Liverpool target as the Reds had been tracking him since January. However, his performance in Spain's U21 European Championships was a stock raising moment if there has been one.

With the Reds most likely out of the running as the player was destined to want Champions League football, Liverpool turned their full attentions to the signature of Stewart Downing whom they signed in the early part of July.

Arsenal brought in Gervinho from Lille and the Ivory Coast international has shown he will be most likely be quality. However, with the departure of Cesc Fabregas and the impending departure of Samir Nasri, Arsene Wenger is in desperate need of additional midfield players with experience and top class skill.

Mata has all of that in a 23-year old package. The Valencia winger has been in the first team of a top four Spanish club since breaking into the squad in 2007-08. In his four seasons in La Liga has has 174 total appearances with 46 goals and 43 assists. The Gunners could use both of those stats in their line-up.

However, recent rumors show that Wenger needs to lock in a deal now as Chelsea are strongly linked with the media plastering a possible €27 million move on all corners of the market.

Wenger needs another midfielder of this quality but he may have left it all a little to late to capture the Spanish youngster.

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English Premier League Preview: Matchday 2 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

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(Bleacher Report)The second full weekend of matches in the new English Premier League season is already quickly approaching.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal were all held to disappointing draws by Sunderland, Stoke City and Newcastle United. Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City got a not so warm welcome to the EPL, while Norwich City held their own against Wigan, showing their intent to fight for the 17th spot this season to stay up.

Manchester United have suffered an injury crisis for the time being as both of their star center-half's went down in the second half of their season opener against West Bromwich Albion. Sir Alex is expected to name his two young stars in the squad and their time to prove their worth may be coming sooner than believed.

Arsenal have a lot of questions to answer and they now have at least part of the cash required to give their fans and followers something. The sale of Cesc Fabregas has been a heated topic, but honestly, now that he has left it should allow many to just breath a sigh of relief and move on.

With so much drama already unfolding in the league I cannot wait to see what all happens this coming weekend.

So here we go with this weeks English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday Two of 2011-12......CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW.

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Liverpool FC: Does Joe Cole Deserve a Second Chance at Anfield?

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(Bleacher Report)Joe Cole's plight at Liverpool is a rather sticky situation. He has had an up and down career that has truthfully been more down than good, and since he joined the Reds, it has been more of the same story.

His playing days started out at West Ham United in 1998, when he made his first appearances in league fixtures. Over the next four years, he would make 141 appearances for the London club, scoring 10 goals from the midfield.

As his stock was rising, he made the switch to Chelsea in 2003 a year before the arrival of Jose Mourinho and was considered at the time one of the brightest talents in all of English football. Little did he know that once he left West Ham, that would be the last time he has started over 30 games in the League.

He got his chance to push for a first team place in the 2004-05 season thanks to many injuries. His 50 appearances the year before had been split in the league with 18 starts and 17 substitution appearances, but Mourinho had no choice but to put faith in the then 21-year-old, and he delivered the best goal haul of his career in the English Premier League, with eight goals from 28 appearances. It would also be the first time the player tasted the EPL title.

That performance helped him to gain regular football for the 2005-06 season, when he would make 26 starts, scoring eight goals once again and providing four assists. His place on the PFA Team of the Year continued to push him to the fore front of the English talent scene and earned him a place on the 2006 English National Team that went to the World Cup.

However, it was a disaster for England from the word go, as they crashed out in the quarterfinals after a promising Group B winning performance and round of 16 victory ended in dismay on penalties. Cole managed a goal against Sweden in the Group stages, but would not score again in the tournament after his Man of the Match performance.

A Debut to Forget on August 15, 2010.
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The following season is when Cole hit the first bump in the road of his career. Two straight seasons of EPL titles and first team dominance for the midfielder came crashing down as he went down injured in Chelsea's preseason only a few weeks after returning from the World Cup. He would only make 24 total appearances that season due to his injury.

Once again, the following year in 2007-08, Cole made a remarkable recovery to take back his first team place and made 54 appearances with 10 goals over the course of the Campaign. He played a key part in both the Blues League and Champions League challenges. Unfortunately for him and his team they crashed to second best to Manchester United in both cases.

The next two season for Joe Cole became a blur of frustration, as he would only make 19 appearances in 2008-09 thanks to a knee ligament tear, and even with 39 appearances in 2009-10, he just was not his old self and was let go at the end of the season.

A once promising prospect seemed lost and out of sorts with no job. But not to fear, as Liverpool's newest manager, Roy Hodgson, threw the player a lifeline, and he signed on for four years at £90,000 per week.

Steven Gerrard and many of the Reds were very excited, and the season was full of hype for the arrival of one of England's once brightest stars. However, his season opening appearance ended quickly, as he was red carded on his Liverpool debut for a tackle on Laurent Koscielny that was deemed malicious but was clearly unintentionally so.

That seemed to be an omen for how his season would go, as he failed to impress throughout the season and ended it with only nine starts and 11 substitution appearances in the league and only totaled three goals throughout all competitions between another 12 appearances.

First Goal at Anfield in Europa League
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So now, he once again is at a crossroads. His club is in the midst of the biggest revival in their history, as a change of ownership in October of 2010 saw massively in debt owners Geroge Gillett and Tom Hicks bought out by Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group principle owner John W. Henry and Tom Werner.

Their previous revitalization of a professional team saw them return the World Series trophy to the Red Sox in 2004 and then 2007 after only three seasons. Those victories ended a drought that had lasted since 1918. Liverpool have been without a League title since 1990, and the goals of the new owners are clearly to bring that former glory back to England's most successful team.

Joe Cole is on the cusp of being worth keeping on the roster, and his high weekly wage bill is hindering further investment of the club. However, if he is on top of his game, he can be one of the best wide players England has seen.

The problem for Cole is that it has been quite sometime since that happened. His pedigree and former achievements show what he is capable of, but his aging body is letting him down. He turns 30 in November, and the clock started ticking on his Anfield career in January of this year, when Kenny Dalglish took over at the helm.

King Kenny knows all too well what he is tasked to do with Liverpool during the next few years, as he is truthfully the one manager that knows what the Reds are all about. He is the last manager to have won multiple titles with the club in the 1980's.

However, the Scot has been a spearhead for the Reds to spend over £100 million in the transfer market since January. There also looks to be more signings to come in during the next windows and beyond, and Joe Cole is only going to have a limited amount of time to try and make any headway back to the top of the pile as he faces overwhelming competition to get a midfield place at Anfield.

New boy Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Maxi Rodriguez, Alberto Aquilani, Raul Miereles, Luis Suarez and even Dirk Kuyt are completely ahead of Cole for a shot at first team action.

In truth, his past would normally make someone take notice that he may just need more time, but after a season of mediocre performances and a new regime hellbent on getting back to the top no matter the financial or physical costs, Cole looks to be out of chances.

If it were a perfect world the once shining star would get his second chance, but I just do not see it happening at Liverpool. With the Reds truly wanting to push for the title in the next seasons, they have to have reliable players that are heading into their prime and not floundering through what should have been their best years.

I am sorry, Joe Cole, but you have not gotten the time for a second chance at Anfield. At the most, you may stay on until January, but by then, you will be either shipped out on loan or sold to the best financial option if you do not prove some worth. Tottenham and Paris Saint Germain both have expressed interest, and if he does not leave now, he will soon.

With only what I believe to be about 18 games time to make a case for himself in either league substitutions or Cup tie brilliance, he just is not going to be able to stay on as a Red.

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Everton Most Recent Club to Join Loan-Star Race for Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge

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(Bleacher Report)David Moyes and the Toffees have been lacking a true striking partnership for what seems like forever. Forward after forward rotates through but seems to not have what it takes to truly be consistent. Luckily for Moyes he has eight pretty great players always behind the front line that usually are enough to make up for the lack of a decent attack all the time.

This season he could be on the lookout for a different kind of solution to the problem. In the past he has bought and sold players but now he seems more intent on a different approach.

With limited funds having hampered any real moves for the blue side of Merseyside, unlike their rival neighbors at Anfield where the Liverpool Reds have splashed out over 100 million since January, the Toffees are a bit more economical.

So economical in fact that rather than buy his players, the shrewd Scottish manager is looking to tap into the loads of youthful talent spread throughout the league.

Daniel Sturridge looks to be his primary focus at the moment as he believes the combination of the young Chelsea player that was sensational on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season, could create a deadly front line attack with young Jermaine Beckford.

A young partnership in the English Premier League for Everton could be a blessing or a curse as the youthful vigor and cockiness could lead them to astonishing results, while their inexperience could be their downfall.

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English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday 1 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

Can the Old Scot Do It Again this Season?
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(Bleacher Report)Despite all the hype, several games look to be on the verge of being postponed thanks to the unrest that is happening all across England. Nevertheless this preview goes ahead as planned.

The day we all have been waiting for is finally here. The summer transfer window is nearly finished and teams are still scrambling to finalize their last minute additions and subtractions for the season that is now afoot.

Saturday opens up the 2011-12 Barclay's Premier League season with a seven game slate of matches that are sure to get all of our blood pumping. It has been only a few months but I have missed the thrill of weekly league matches and the start of Cup ties.

For two months we have speculated and debated over what will come of this season and which teams will be the surprise or expected performers.

This weekend we will get the first taste of all our thoughts, as some great match-ups and drama will already be giving us a tease of what could happen when we reevaluate the expectations come January.

Manchester United will hope to retain their title, while Chelsea and Manchester City look to upend the Red Devils' chance at a repeat. Liverpool claim that the Champions League is their target for next season, but it would be unlike Kenny Dalglish for him to try and chase anything other than a League title after United over took the Reds in the all time Domestic title charts last season.

Big name transfers from within the league and from Europe also look to have an impact on the season as all of the top six, save the North London Derby contingent of Tottenham and Arsenal, have done their best to improve. You may say Arsenal have improved with the addition of Gervinho, but they need a keeper, a defender and with Samir Nasri looking to ride the coattails of Cesc Fabrgas out the door, they might be in need of a whole lot more with little time to pull it off.

Regardless of how it all plays out, this weekend is going to be great to watch. So let's get to the predictions for the coming week with my first of this season's EPL weekly previews right here on your very own Bleacher Report......CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE MATCH PREVIEWS.

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Oriol Romeu Completes Move to Chelsea

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(Bleacher Report)Barcelona B squad midfielder Oriol Romeu is the latest member of the Nou Camp to move to England as the 19-year old player will move to London after agree to terms on a four-year contract. His starting fee is 5 million, but his contract has additional options that Barcelona may exercise in time.

The additional terms are primarily a €10 million buy back clause after the first season, and then will raise to €15 million after the second season. He has been compared to Sergio Busquets as the next defensive midfielder in the Barca system.

This inclusion suggests that the Blaugrana still value the player more than could be believed, and had the club not been in the middle of trying to raise the money for the purchase of Cesc Fabregas currently, the player might have only moved on loan.

Experience is was the Nou Camp club need their younger players to receive, but right now they are in the hunt for cash more than anything as they attempt to reduce their debt, and purchase another midfield.

Youngster Romeu however, like another former Barca midfielder, has dreams of one day returning home to Catalonia.

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English Premier League: 5 Reasons Chelsea Can Still Win the Title

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(Bleacher Report) The title race was truly blown open today for Chelsea thanks to another stumble for Manchester United.

With only three league games remaining it is looking increasingly more possible that the Blues could pull off a miraculous return to the top and clip the heels out from under Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils.

Despite all the controversial happenings, it doesn't change the fact that the Blues are now on the verge of holding onto their title.

They also stand the chance to assist in preventing Manchester United from earning a single trophy for the first time since 1998 if the Red Devils fall in the Champions League in either the final or their next tie, and the Blues win the league.

But just what are the ways it could play out? Lets discuss the five things that could let the Premier League Trophy stay at Stamford Bridge......Click Here to View Slideshow.

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Chelsea: 5 Things David Luiz Is Doing in Place of Fernando Torres

Nando isn't Making the Grade as Luiz takes Center Stage for the Blues

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 21, 2011

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Chelsea broke the English transfer window record by paying 50 million pounds to Liverpool for the services of Fernando Torres on the final day of the January transfer window. In the shadow of the Spanish international marksman was the 21-million-pound signing of David Luiz from Portuguese club Benfica.

Torres stole the spotlight with controversy and criticism, as Liverpool fans burned his kit on Sky Sports and fans protested outside of Melwood for the club having sold a player that the fans had welcomed into their hearts deeper than many others in the last few years.

It was a feeling of betrayal that was soon forgotten, as Torres made his debut against his former club and failed to live up to any of the expectations. As of late he is still failing to live up to the hype or his price tag. However, his fellow final-day arrival has eclipsed him in more ways than one and is quickly making people wonder not only if Torres was worth the money, but he might not even survive the summer at this rate.

Luiz is quickly becoming a fan favorite and is making the arrival of Torres seem like it wasn't what was needed. With that in mind, here is a glimpse of what he is doing that is displacing Torres as the Blues' best signing of the January window.......READ MORE AND START THE SLIDESHOW ON THE BLEACHER REPORT