Blues defender emerges as top target

Last updated : 25 November 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Chelsea defender John Terry is the man in question.

Out of favour at Stamford Bridge after injury and high-profile off field problems the 21-year-old former England Under-21 captain recently turned down a contract extension with Chelsea.

Terry harbours England ambitions and knows that if he fails to oust William Gallas or Marcel Desailly from the Chelsea team he is unlikely to fulfil them.

It has been reported that Newcastle have already made tentative enquiry for the player and that the cash-strapped London club are keen to sell.

So a £4million move looks likely to happen in January.

The player certainly fits Sir Bobby’s preferred profile as he is young, fast and an English speaker, so don’t be surprised to see this one happen.

If Terry does sign he would be unavailable for the Champions League as he has already played for the Blues in this season’s UEFA Cup.