Chelsea put Nicolas Anelka talks on hold

18 August 2009 10:10
Anelka's agent, Doug Pingisi had indicated that Anelka would be offered a new extended contract this week. However, the Guardian claims Chelsea see no need to alter Anelka's current deal, which expires in 2011. Chelsea are still searching for new signings before the end of the transfer window, with Nemanja Matic, the young Serbian midfielder, among their confirmed targets. The club's hierarchy are currently discussing when would be the best time for Matic, who represented Serbia during the recent European under-21 championships in Sweden, and impressed before getting injured, to arrive at Stamford Bridge. Talks are ongoing with his clubs, MFK Kosice who play in Slovakia. It had been thought that Matic would arrive this summer but Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is unsure that the 20-year-old would be afforded any first-team opportunities and so may wait until the next transfer window. The deal has been brokered by the Serbian agent Vlado Lemic who is close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Matic has agreed terms on a four-year deal and is an attacking midfielder who has also been included in his country's senior squad. Recently he spoke of his delight at the prospect of joining Chelsea with club sources now confirming that a deal has been agreed with Kosice.

Source: Telegraph