Chelsea: Chelsea on the trail of Joaquin

Chelsea look ready to step up their long-term interest in Real Betis winger Joaquin with a multi-million pound offer in January.

The West Londoners have long been on the trail of the Spain international who is also coveted by Real Madrid and Manchester United.

In Spain the 23-year-old has long been regarded as the natural successor to Luis Figo at Real, and the player himself has made no secret of his admiration for Real.

However, Betis would only part with their prized asset for a figure in the region of 20 million, a sum that Madrid are not willing to spend.

Skysports

am sure chelsea would be interested in striking a deal, and it sounds like betis would be willing to cash in on him.

at chelsea they have loads of great players but i still think. on the right side, they aint as strong. on the left they got duff and robben. backed up with bridge babayaro etc. on the right. you got the ferriara guy, but in midfield they aint got much natural width there i dont think

Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes has revealed he expects Spain international colleague Joaquin to join Chelsea.

The duo are good friends off the pitch having both grown up in Seville and come through the ranks at local rivals Sevilla and Real Betis respectively.

Reyes made the switch to English football during last winter's transfer window and has gone on to establish himself as a top-level performer in The Premiership.

He now anticipates Joaquin to do the same at Chelsea, despite protestations from both that player and his club that he will not be moving on in January.

Skysports

mourhino admits chelski may renew there interest when the season ends

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Chelsea did hold talks with Real Betis over Joaquin, and admits The Blues could well rekindle their interest in the winger at the end of the season.

The Spain international was tipped to leave Betis during the transfer window in January, with Chelsea heading a long list of suitors which also includes Real Madrid, Manchester United and a number of Italian sides.

A deal of around £20 million was thought to be in the offing, but Betis suddenly declared they would not be selling the 23-year-old until the summer at the earliest.

skysports.planetfootball.com...

[Edited on 2/19/05 by rynaldo82]