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Chelsea's senior players will urge coach Carlo Ancelotti to sign Emile Heskey from Aston Villa in January — if the club's transfer ban gets overturned.
It is understood key members of the squad are huge admirers of the England striker who they believe would be invaluable when Chelsea lose Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba to the African Nations' Cup in January.
Ivory Coast striker Drogba, who has been in awesome form so far this season for the Blues with seven goals, will be particularly missed as he has played a big role in making Ancelotti's tactics work by leading the line with such force.
The Chelsea players see Heskey's physical strength providing ideal cover while Drogba is away from Stamford Bridge and believe he will improve competition for places up front.
Heskey's future is still uncertain despite his statement last week denying he wants to quit Martin O'Neill's side in the January transfer window. The 31-year-old has started just one League game for Villa this season and is worried about his England future.
Chelsea's ability to get Heskey depends on whether they are successful in overturning FIFA's decision to ban them from signing players until January 2011.
They were punished after being found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens to join them in 2007. Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and await a decision before Christmas.
Reader views (6)
Yeah. You also have a transfer ban.
How utterly ridiculous this whole page therefore is.
- Stu, Beckton
Peter Joseph - nothing 'bleak' about Furlong; he scored some crucial goals and played his part in the renaissance of the team. Compare him with luminaries as Aylott, Allon, Mayes even Fleck and then think again. Your point about Heskey is valid but not at Furlong's expense. Oh, and don't we have last season's Prem top scorer, some chap called Anelka...?
- Peter Bench, London
Presumably they see him as cover for Drogba, as an alternative "big man upfront" ? Heskey is clearly well regarded by fellow professionals wherever he's played, but for a striker he really doesn't score that often.
- Richard, London UK
Please tell me that this is not for real. This guy has scored 2 goals in 19 appearances, he is not a goal scorer of any variety and seeing him in a Chelsea shirt would hark back to the bleak days of Paul Furlong leading the line.
- Peter Joseph, Bromley, Kent
Never thought I'd say this, but I think this would be a great move for Chelsea, England and Heskey. You wouldn't expect a lot of goals from the big man but Lamps, Anelka, Malouda and a fit Joe Cole picking up the pieces could see the Blues maintain strong challenges in all competitions whilst Drogba and Co are on international duty.
- Neil, Bedford, England
Is it April 1st already ? Please tell me this is some sort of joke ???!
- Richard, Sevenoaks, England
