Barcelona invite Chelsea, Man City to discuss Ibrahimovic loan

Barcelona are refusing to give up on the prospect of offloading Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the market shuts.

El Mundo Deportivo says there are two options Barca are currently considering - a player swap or a loan which would see the interested club paying half of the Swede's €12 million salary.

AC Milan have been in contact this week about Ibra returning to Serie A for the new season, while Manchester City and Chelsea have also been sounded out.

Barca will attempt to push for Ibra's exit right up to deadline day, as with David Villa now on-board, the Swede faces spending much of this season starting from the bench.

Fulham striker Zamora defends Chelsea captain Terry

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has jumped to the defence of good mate John Terry, the Chelsea captain.

Terry's form, in a pre-season which has seen Chelsea lose four consecutive games, has given his critics more ammunition after the summer's World Cup flop.

But Zamora said: “This is a tough time of year when you're doing two training sessions the day before matches. I've played this pre-season with tired legs because of the amount of work I've put in, you can't put in great performances but that's what pre-season is for.

“Everyone is on his and Chelsea's case at the moment but I am sure in a couple of weeks they will be top of the table.”

Chelsea, West Ham target Neymar outstanding for Brazil

Santos whizkid Neymar has showed why Chelsea and West Ham United are so keen to sign him.

Having been called up by new Brazil coach Mano Menezes, who has taken over with a commitment to restore the Beautiful Game, Neymar delivered a star-studded performance on his full international debut against the USA , scoring the first goal after 29 minutes.

He said: "Everyone was very comfortable playing together. Mano gave us a lot of freedom to do what we always do on the field and that helped a lot."

While Santos continue to insist they will only do a deal if the release clause is met, they took the same position with promising striker Andre, who had a £41m buyout fee written into his contract, only to be sold to Dynamo Kiev for £6.5m in June.

Fluminense signing Deco grateful to Chelsea boss Ancelotti

Deco is grateful to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti for releasing him from his contract.

The midfielder has thanked Chelsea for ripping up his contract so he could return to Brazil.

The new Fluminense ace , 32, said: "I thank Carlo Ancelotti for understanding my motives."

Benfica’s Luiz now a key Chelsea target

Chelsea are set to step up their pursuit of Benfica defender David Luiz after news emerged that Ricardo Carvalho is set to join Real Madrid.

The Blues have been loosely linked with Luiz in the past few weeks but now they are losing a key defender, will need an apt replacement and the 23-year old Brazilian appears to be just that.

Chelsea will have to part with around £27million but reports suggest that Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to do that to ensure his Premiership winning squad remains strong.

It is also believed that Manchester City are interested in Luiz so Chelsea will have to move quickly if they want to reunite him with his former Benfica teammate Ramires who is set to have his move finalised shortly.

Carvalho set to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is on the verge of joining Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Portugal international will reunite with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu after the two clubs agreed a fee.

32-year old Carvalho has been linked with a Stamford Bridge departure this summer but after much speculation is extremely close to finalising the move.

He will undergo a medical in Madrid before signing a two-year deal according to a Chelsea Football Club statement.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Ricardo Carvalho,” it read.

“The transfer is subject to a medical and the player agreeing personal terms.

"Chelsea would like to thank Riccy for his six years of service, and we wish him well in his future career."

A Madrid statement read: "Real Madrid CF and FC Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ricardo Carvalho.

"The player will be linked to Real Madrid CF the next two seasons."

Man Utd, Chelsea target Ozil: I have agreed NOTHING with Barcelona

Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil has rubbished reports he's joining Barcelona.

It's been claimed in Catalonia that Ozil will sign for Barca in a €12 million agreement, despite rival interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

"I know nothing! I have spoken to no one," Ozil told BILD this morning.

Werder chief Klaus Allofs also remarked: "Nonsense! There is no agreement with FC Barcelona."