• Premier League

Chelsea ponder £20m Rodwell bid

ESPN staff
December 20, 2011
Jack Rodwell has been in impressive form for Everton this season © PA Photos
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Chelsea are believed to be lining up a bid for Everton's Jack Rodwell in the January transfer window.

Everton are yet to receive an offer for the highly-rated midfielder, but there is firm interest from Chelsea, with Andre Villas-Boas looking to inject some youth into his ageing squad.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-term admirer of the youngster, but Chelsea are ready to test David Moyes' resolve over the player valued at £20 million.

With Frank Lampard no longer guaranteed a place in Chelsea's starting XI and Michael Essien a long-term injury casualty, Rodwell looks a likely successor, and would be eligible to play in this season's Champions League when it resumes in February.

Moyes has already warned potential suitors that Everton will not sell any player on the cheap, and with Rodwell tipped to be heading to Euro 2012 with England, his value could increase dramatically in the summer.

"I've always said if any club is going to come and try to take our better players, we don't sell cheap. It's expensive to buy from us," Moyes said recently.

With United also looking to bolster their midfield, the Toffees will be in no hurry to cash in, although given the club's financial difficulties a major offer would prove hard to resist.

Chelsea are also monitoring the progress of Rodwell's team-mate Ross Barkley, although the 18-year-old has just signed a new deal at Goodison Park.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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