Hammer blow for Zola as old club Chelsea lead the chase for freebie Toni

21 December 2009 11:27
Chelsea could make a January move for Italy striker Luca Toni, who has been told he can leave Bayern Munich for nothing.[LNB]The Italy striker has been in conflict with Bayern boss Louis van Gaal after struggling to win a starting place for the Bundesliga giants this season.[LNB]A very public row with the Dutchman has put several teams across Europe on alert. West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola would love to tempt his compatriot to Upton Park, but Toni is thought to be more keen to return to Italy, where several teams are weighing up a bid.[LNB] Up for grabs: Luca Toni looks set to leave Bayern for free in January and Chelsea could challenge West Ham for the Italian's signature [LNB]However, reports in Italy that Chelsea are interested could intrigue the 32-year-old.His £170,000 a week salary is prohibitive, especially to the Hammers, but Toni would accept a lower figure to get first-team football and help his chances of playing at the World Cup next summer.[LNB] PICTURE SPECIAL: Happy Hammers Perry and Brand watch West Ham hold ChelseaCapello fury as England and Chelsea captain John Terry is hit by another controversyWest Ham 1 Chelsea 1: Blues get in a spot of bother as Carlo Ancelotti rues missed chanceCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail