Yuri Zhirkov ends the summer blues

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The Blues have been chasing the Russia international for 12 months and have finally agreed terms which will see Zhirkov sign a threeyear contract, with the option for a fourth season.

The 25-year-old can play left wing or left-back and his arrival will be a relief to Chelsea, who have been frustrated in their pursuits of other big-name targets this summer.

Kaka joined Real Madrid, while their interest in Franck Ribery and Alexandre Pato has not been welcomed by Bayern Munich and AC Milan respectively.

Chelsea reportedly made a fresh £50m bid to AC Milan for Pato at the weekend, but even Brazil legend Pele has told his fellow countryman not to go to Stamford Bridge. He said: "If I were him I would never leave Italy for England. That atmosphere would be more difficult for a player with his technique."

Chelsea, meanwhile, are confident their punishments relating to the Champions League clash with Barcelona will be cut after lodging an appeal with UEFA.

Didier Drogba was handed a six-game ban, with the last two suspended for two years, after he abused referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.

Jose Bosingwa, who called Ovrebo a "thief", received a four-game ban with the last also suspended for two years, while Chelsea were fined £85,000 for failing to control their players and because fans threw missiles on to the pitch.

Chelsea hope Drogba's ban is reduced to three games and Bosingwa's to one as both players apologies the day after the match. The club also want their fine to be lowered.