Nicolas Anelka’s move to Chelsea appears to be edging ever closer as news leaked that he has been left out of the Bolton side to face Sheffield United in the FA Cup today [source]. That would of course mean that Anelka is not cup-tied in the competition – the first real clue that the striker is on his way.
Megson is claiming the move is to rest players for the fight for Premiership survival but with Kevin Davies also suspended it has meant throwing in Vaz Te for his first appearance in months against Bolton’s Championship opponents.
Chelsea are the clear front runners for Anelka’s signature with Man City apparently resigned to losing out on the race according to other reports today. Valuation of the player is still an issue, although Anelka is now rumoured to be “just waiting” for the deal to go through.
The need for a new striker at Chelsea is underlined by the fact that Avram Grant is contemplating selecting Drogba for their tie with QPR because Shevchenko is ruled out with a calf injury. Drogba will depart for the African Cup of Nations after this weekend, as will Kalou, Obi and Essien.