Chelsea close in on Cech

Rennes rejected Chelsea's initial offer of £6m and Cech feared the worst. It was the Londoners' determination to recruit him, however, which impressed him the most.

He said: 'It's true that last week it looked like everything was over. But Chelsea have showed how much they want me and made the step forward saying they will wait until summer. I didn't want to risk moving before the European Championships.

'This solution stopped discussions. I'm very satisfied now. Even when I went to Rennes, I didn't hide that my dream is to play in the Premiership and now that is going to go through.

'I have not spoken to Claudio Ranieri but my agent told me what he said. He said he wanted me and his faith in my abilities helped make up my mind. I have had interest from some other big clubs like Barcelona and Inter, but in this case I feel that the interest is much more concrete and real. That is the reason why I want to go to London.'

Charlton have turned down an improved offer of £7.5m from Chelsea for Scott Parker after also rejecting a £7m bid for the England midfielder last week.

Charlton say they were told that the latest approach would be Chelsea's 'final offer' and they now consider the matter closed.

Manager Alan Curbishley, who dropped Parker from the squad for last Saturday's visit to Everton, reiterated the player would not be sold without his blessing.

He said: 'I have been working with my chairman for 12 years and we have a very strong relationship. We make all our decisions together and I am confident Scott Parker would not be sold over my head.'

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told the club's official website: 'The board unanimously felt that both £7m and £7.5m were unacceptable offers for the best young midfield player in the country.

'The offer of further sums when Scott had made up to 90 appearances is not, in our opinion, something we can realistically budget to ever receive.

'Chelsea rotate their playing squad and it could take several years, if at all, before such monies become payable.

'By turning down Chelsea's final offer, we can hopefully put this behind us and concentrate on maintaining fourth place.'