Chelsea set to swoop for Chivu
Sunday, 4 January 2004 12:28Big-spending Chelsea are preparing to launch an early transfer raid on Roma by signing their Romanian defender Cristian Chivu.
The 23-year-old Romanian captain joined the Italian side from Ajax on a five-year deal last season, however he is believed to be unsettled there and his agent has claimed that both Chelsea and Manchester United have indicated their interest.
Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is confident that his side can capture the signature of Chivu and said: "Chivu will come to England only for Chelsea and he will be my golden boy. We want and we need Chivu and we will make a better offer than Manchester United."
Despite the interest from United, Chelsea would appear to be in the driving seat because of the chance that Chivu would get to link up with compatriot Adrian Mutu at Stamford Bridge. The defender said: "I would love to play with my friend Adrian in the same team. He is a fantastic player who does so many good things for Chelsea."
Roma have however moved to dismiss the reports.
The Romania international joined Roma from Ajax before the start of the season and has formed a solid centre-back pairing with Walter Samuel, helping the club shoot to the top of Serie A.
Filed by Rob Wright
