Gallas tipped to stay put
18 Aug 2006 - 14:04:02
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that wantaway defender William Gallas will still be at the club when the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The 29-year-old France international has refused to sign a new deal with the Blues and wants to move on, but Mourinho is adamant that the Premiership champions have yet to field an offer for Gallas.
He said: "He still has one year on his contract at Chelsea. He is probably going to stay.
"I must defend the interests of Chelsea. For the first time in my career, I am ready to keep a player who doesn't want to stay although I know that won't be easy.
"I have already explained to Gallas that the club who wishes to buy him is a phantom club, one without a face.
"He has still not had an clear offer - he is working in the dark. It encourages a player to adopt the wrong attitude.
"If by August 31 this invisible club doesn't become visible, if it does not stop its unethical behaviour and it does not make a serious, honest offer that meets the value of the player, he will end up staying."