Chelsea plan
to enter contract talks with Super Eagles star Victor Moses in the coming weeks
to ward off interest from Barcelona, according to Sky sources. The Nigerian
international, who turns 26 next month, is under contract until the summer of
2019, having signed a new four-year deal just before joining West Ham on loan
for the 2015-16 season.
According to
reports monitored in England on Sunday, Sky Sports News HQ has been told
Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo - himself a former Nigerian
international - has been thoroughly impressed with the way Moses has adapted to
his new role.
He is
thought to be keen for Moses to be given an extended, improved contract partly
to acknowledge his position within the team but also to ward off interest from
Barcelona.
Moses'
performances in a new wing-back role have been key to Chelsea's stunning
turnaround in form since switching to a 3-4-3 formation, sparking a seven-game
winning run in the Premier League.
He scored
the winning goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory over title rivals Tottenham, having
previously found the net in wins against Burnley and champions Leicester City.
He emerged the Man of the Match in the game, having previously received the
award in the game against Tottenham last week.
He started
only 16 games for the Hammers last season, yet has now become a crucial part of
Antonio Conte's team during their dominant rise to the top of the Premier
League table.
Moses has
traditionally been seen as a winger but, after three successive seasons away
from the club on loan, has now established himself as a regular in Chelsea's
starting line-up at wing-back.
His role now
involves taking a greater defensive responsibility and Barcelona are understood
to view him as one of the best right-back options in Europe at present.
Chelsea are
aware of Barcelona's interest and SSNHQ has been told by sources at the Catalan
club that they are actively searching for a right-back to either replace or
provide competition for Sergi Roberto.
They have
sent a scout to a number of Chelsea games both home and away throughout this
season, and are understood to have been impressed with the way Moses has
performed in the matches they have attended.
No comments:
Post a Comment