Blues end Ben Haim chase
18 Jan 2007 - 07:47:04
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- Blues end Ben Haim chase
Chelsea have failed in their attempts to sign Bolton Wanderers centre-half Tal Ben Haim during the January transfer window.
The Blues had hoped to boost their threadbare defensive cover with a £2.5million swoop for Israel international, but the Premiership champions have admitted defeat over their offer.
A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it has been in discussions with Bolton Wanderers for the transfer of Tal Ben Haim.
"These discussions have been unsuccessful and Ben Haim will not be joining Chelsea in January."
Ben Haim is out of contract with the Trotters at the end of the season and Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has accepted that the defender will not sign a new deal at the Reebok Stadium.
The 24-year-old joined Wanderers in the summer of 2004 from Maccabi Tel Aviv and has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership.