Babayaro move forces Jose into market

Celestine Babayaro's imminent move to Newcastle increases the chances of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho dipping into the transfer market place when the window opens this weekend.

Babayaro, who joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in June 1997 and is Chelsea's longest-serving player, was today given permission to discuss terms with Newcastle.

Although Mourinho has cover in Babayaro's left-back position with Wayne Bridge and William Gallas able to rotate, the departure will leave him with 17 outfield players and they may ask for Olivier Bernard as part of the deal when the transfer window opens on Saturday.

Babayaro has played 197 times for Chelsea during his seven years at Stamford Bridge, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Super Cup with the Londoners, but has found himself surplus to requirements since Roman Abramovich took control of the club.

Glen Johnson, Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho have all been recruited to strengthen the defence, with the Nigerian international left on the sidelines.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has made no secret of his intention to patch the holes in a defence which has conceded 38 goals in 20 Premiership games this season.