CHELSEA MOVE IN FOR KHEDIRA

Chelsea are lining up a big-money bid for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira after manager Jose Mourinho identified him as one of the club’s main summer transfer targets, according to the Daily Star.

Mourinho made Khedira one of his first signings at the Bernabeu in the wake of his impressive performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup, and he remains an interested admirer despite bringing holding midfielder Nemanja Matic to Stamford Bridge for £21m back in January.

The Blues are hoping to strengthen considerably over the summer after missing out on a trophy this season, and they feel they can land the £36m rated Khedira, who is said to be keen on leaving Madrid over the summer having fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric.

Khedira, who has only made 15 appearances for Real Madrid this season in all competitions, was also heavily linked with Chelsea last summer, only for an injury to end any chances of a deal. However, this time the Blues will be confident of landing a player who once described himself as ‘one of Mourinho’s disciples’.