He may not be officially taking over until next month, but already a buzz has generated about who will join Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea. His former club AC Milan are central to the transfer speculation following the Italian's appointment as manager of the London club. Kaka and his fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato are two who have been mentioned, with Adriano Galliani, the Milan vice-president, confirming approaches have been made for the prized pair from two top European clubs. Chelsea are believed to be one while Real Madrid have a long-standing interest.
While Pato remains a possibility, Kaka yesterday reiterated his intention to stay at the San Siro - just like he did in January when Manchester City tried to bring him to Eastlands. "I'll say it for the last time, the last time. I don't want to leave Milan," he said. "In this period I prefer to remain silent because I don't want to be misunderstood. Or, worse still, to be used. "To the millions of Milan supporters, I say that I have made my choice."
One Chelsea player who is looking to clarify his future is Claudio Pizarro. The striker has been on loan at Werder Bremen and is keen to stay with the Germans if the Blues do not want him back at Stamford Bridge. One new deal that has been confirmed is Blackburn's signing of Elrio van Heerden on a free transfer from Club Brugge. The South African international midfielder has signed a two-year contract.
Dean Windass and Michael Bridges are the two high-profile names among eight released by Hull as Phil Brown trims his squad. Meanwhile, England have called up the Bolton defender Gary Cahill for Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan. He replaces Rio Ferdinand, who has a calf injury, and said: "I'm delighted. I've had a good season and worked really hard." akhan@thenational.ae
