Chelsea hand Malouda new deal as Zhirkov warns: I won't come to be sub

03 June 2009 11:53
Carlo Ancelotti is set to offer new contracts to Florent Malouda and Alex as he shapes his Chelsea side for next season.[LNB]Malouda struggled after signing from Lyon for £13.5million in 2007, but has won over fans and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy in the second half of the season.[LNB]CSKA Moscow star Yuri Zhirkov had been lined up to replace him and today warned he would not be happy to sit on the Blues bench.[LNB] Oui! Florent Malouda is set to be offered a prolonged stay at Chelsea after impressing in the FA Cup final[LNB]Versatile Zhirkov, who tends to play left-back for Russia, said: 'Clearly we are talking about one of the best clubs in the world, who regularly compete at the highest level.[LNB]About turn: Yuri Zhirkov is keen on Chelsea - but not to sit on the bench[LNB]'It is very possible I would say yes (to Chelsea). But before that I would have to weigh up the pros and cons.[LNB]'To sit on the bench and only get on the pitch from time to time doesn't interest me, not even at Chelsea.[LNB]'Moreover, I have nothing to lose (by staying in Moscow), given that CSKA now have a very interesting team who will begin competing in the Champions League in the autumn.'[LNB]Chelsea are understood to be close to an £18.6million deal for the 25-year-old, but face competition from Bayern Munich.[LNB]Malouda has only 12 months of his deal left to run but is expected to get a two-year extension with a pay rise from £50,000 a week to around £65,000 a week.[LNB]'We will have a meeting at the beginning of June,' he told the London Evening Standard. 'Both parties want to carry on. [LNB] Gold star: Alex has done enough to win a new contract at Chelsea[LNB]'It's a wonderful experience but just the beginning. I hope in the next years you will see me win many, many trophies.[LNB]'When you play so many high-profile games you get the experience and confidence that comes with it. I hope to share joy and happiness with the fans.'[LNB]When asked if he is ready to compete with Zhirkov should he arrive, Malouda added: 'Of course. It's just the beginning because with Ashley Cole on the left we have confidence so it gives us a lot for the next years.'[LNB]Alex is also going to be rewarded for a number of impressive displays this season with a three-year[LNB]deal that will see his salary increase to £60,000 a week. His current contract expires next year but the new agreement will ensure the defender remains at the club until 2013.[LNB] Chelsea kick-off Ancelotti's reign by signing City striker Daniel SturridgeChelsea snubbed: £60m Kaka set for Real Madrid despite Ancelotti's interventionVIDEO SPECIAL: New Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti as you've never seen him beforeBayern Munich stand firm on Ribery as European giants battle it out for France aceCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail