Crespo's the bait in chase for Shev

14 April 2012

Jose Mourinho has told AC Milan they must sell Andriy Shevchenko if they want to sign Hernan Crespo.

Standard Sport revealed yesterday that the Ukrainian striker was at the top of Mourinho's wish-list.

Today the Chelsea head coach revealed how he's prepared to use Crespo as a bargaining tool in order to secure his services.

Mourinho said: "Crespo has a big chance to come back. If they [Milan] want to keep him they will have to pay a lot of money. He is scoring goals for them, playing well and is in the European Cup Final. We would like to have him back or change him with Shevchenko."

AC Milan want to sign Argentine international Crespo on a permanent basis but Mourinho, who would welcome him back to Stamford Bridge, insists they must pay a large fee or offer Shevchenko to make the deal go through. Chelsea paid £16.8million for Crespo two years ago but AC Milan have so far tabled an offer of just £5m. Mourinho also confirmed that he's looking to sign a left-back, midfielder and a striker this summer and revealed he is prepared to offer goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini a new contract to keep him at the club.

He added: "Carlo knows we love him, the club and all the fans. He knows that we feel he is fantastic, but from first moment Petr Cech went in goal he had no chance.

"Carlo has two more years on his contract and could get a new one. We want to keep all our players here including Carlo."

As Chelsea prepare to celebrate their first Premiership title in 50 years against Charlton tomorrow, it has emerged that Russian owner Roman Abramovich is to reaffirm his long-term commitment to Chelsea.

In a statement to be carried in the match programme for the home clash with Charlton tomorrow, the Russian billionaire will tell supporters he has no plans to quit the club.

And as Mourinho today revealed he has targeted at least three new signings to be brought in by the club during the close season, Abramovich will speak of his delight at how his investment in the new Premiership champions has paid off.

Abramovich's rare public pledge will come as a huge relief to Chelsea supporters in the week that Mourinho also underlined his commitment to Chelsea by signing a new five-year contract worth £5.2m a year.

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Crespo's the bait in chase for Shev

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