Source: Team_Talk
Drogba set for new Blues deal
Andre Villas-Boas insists there would be no players in or out at Chelsea before pre-season and Didier Drogba is set to be offered a new deal.[LNB] The new Blues boss is confident he will have the final say over comings and goings at Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club linked with a host of players before his arrival and speculation over the future of current squad members.[LNB]Chelsea had a £22million bid rejected for Tottenham star Luka Modric, while they have been linked since Villas-Boas' arrival from Porto with some of their new manager's former players, including striker Radamel Falcao.[LNB]"You know the kind of moves this club does," Villas-Boas said after being officially unveiled at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]"I won't speculate on names. All of them are interesting players: Modric, Falcao, (Fabio) Coentrao.[LNB]"If they can add to the squad..."[LNB]But he added: "Everyone in first, then decision making. At the moment, we're stopped in time."[LNB]Chelsea's players report back from their holidays next Wednesday and Villas-Boas insisted every one of them would be given the chance to prove they deserve to remain at the club.[LNB]Dismissing rumours linking midfielder Michael Essien with a move away, he said: "I'm more than happy with the actual squad.[LNB]"It's nothing new that, when a manager comes, radical changes are expected.[LNB]"We have plenty of time to judge the market.[LNB]"There's no fuss in the changes we might need to do or not. The guys have to feel important.[LNB]"They're top quality players, and I want to see them back so I can start taking decisions."[LNB]One decision that has already been taken regards the future of Drogba, who it is understood will be offered a contract extension amid interest from former club Marseille.[LNB]The striker's current deal expires next summer and the club have no intention of letting it run its course.[LNB]Drogba looked back to his best towards the end of last season, a trophyless campaign which raised questions about whether Chelsea's squad remained good enough or motivated enough to challenge for major honours.[LNB]Villas-Boas said: "I don't agree that the team is short of quality. I think we are up there.[LNB]"Minor changes can be done and we can put some input here or there in certain sectors, but my confidence in them is for them to return to me and judge from that.[LNB]"We have plenty of time up to August 31 to make a decision.[LNB]"These players have won a lot but still have hunger for success."[LNB]The are bound to be some changes, of course, and Villas-Boas will obviously want the final say on what they are.[LNB]There have been suggestions some of his predecessors did not enjoy that luxury.[LNB]Villas-Boas said: "Hopefully, that will happen as it does in any other club.[LNB]"We are able to go for the best in the market when we want, and we are able to find the best talent when we want.[LNB]"Everyone wants to come here.[LNB]"We have to bring the best quality players if we decide to bring them."[LNB]He added: "There are no players imposed on me."[LNB]Villas-Boas also insisted he would have "no problem" working with a sporting director, amid reports first-team coach Michael Emenalo will be promoted to the role within the next week.[LNB]"The main thing is to build on the future and put competent people in the right places," Villas-Boas said.[LNB]"We trust the people around this club because we've had a successful past six years that show we're on the right track."
