SOCCER:CHELSEA ASSISTANT coach Ray Wilkins insists striker Didier Drogba will not be sold in the January transfer window.
Drogba, back in the Chelsea squad for today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Ipswich, has been linked with a move to Manchester City. But the Ivorian striker, left out of the squad for their last two games by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, is not for sale.
“We haven’t received anything from Manchester City,” said Wilkins. “Of course every player in world football has his price but he’s a massive part of our squad and he won’t be going anywhere in the transfer window.
“I think for the last 10 days his work ethic has been outstanding. He’s trained very well and been in great spirits. He’s been laughing and joking, he’s been the leader of the pack. He’s been in good form.
“Every player has little dips and it’s about how you react. He’s reacted in positive fashion and we’re delighted with him.”
Wilkins also rejected suggestions owner Roman Abramovich could be tempted to sell the club following speculation a group of German investors were considering whether to make a takeover bid.
The Russian billionaire owner insists he has no intention of selling the club. But Dr Sulaiman al-Fahim, the man behind the takeover of Manchester City, believes everything has its price – and may be ready to launch a takeover bid.
Fahim is understood to have drawn up a proposal with Falcon Equity – a Swiss-based private equity partnership.
Fahim, CEO of Abu Dhabi-based Hydra Properties, also chairs Falcon Equity, which is run by Holger Heims, former managing partner of DVC Deutsche Venture Capital.
“It’s not entirely clear if Chelsea is for sale, but regardless of that, we first need to see if we are in a position to buy it,” said Fahim. “But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal.”
Wilkins was swift to reiterate the club’s “not for sale” stance which is expected to be underlined further when their accounts are published next month.
“It is no, no,” said Wilkins. “Roman is very keen to continue his support of Chelsea and what Peter Kenyon said last week is the bottom line. It’s not for sale.”
Meanwhile, Wilkins hopes a rejuvenated Deco can work like a new January signing, as they contemplate not making any additions to their squad during the current transfer window.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, the manager, was promised at least the €13 million that he raised from the sale of Wayne Bridge to Manchester City, to go towards securing a midfield replacement for Joe Cole, who is out for the rest of the season with knee ligament trouble.
Chelsea, though, feel there is better value to be had in the summer, when they are expected to spend heavily, while their efforts to sign a player on loan have encountered difficulties.
Deco, who joined from Barcelona for €8.5 million last June. enjoyed a dazzling start to his Chelsea career yet his momentum was checked when he damaged his thigh in the warm-up to the Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on September 21st.
He was sidelined for a month and since then, as he has experienced a clutch of niggling injuries, he feels he has not been at the top of his game. He has not played for the past two weeks because of a calf strain but he returns to the squad for today’s FA Cup visit of Ipswich Town.
“That’s what big squads are all about, when the opportunity comes around and you get hold of the shirt, you must make sure you stay in there,” said Wilkins.“Everybody has their little dip.
“He’s had a lot of slight niggles so hopefully now, since he’s had his little time off, he’ll come back and he’ll show you what he’s all about.”
