..::Football III::..

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Pellegrini admits five-goal haul was harsh on Blackburn

Manuel Pellegrini believes Manchester City's 5-0 win over Blackburn flattered his side, and was keen to laud the performance of their defeated FA Cup third-round replay opponents.

City continued their astonishing goalscoring form at the Etihad Stadium by plundering four second-half goals after Alvaro Negredo had opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time which, in Pellegrini's eyes, gave a slightly deceiving look to the scoreline.

"[I'm] very happy but I think the difference between the two teams was not five goals today," the Chilean told reporters when quizzed on his thoughts on his side's latest five-star showing.

"I think we played with a very strong team, Blackburn played in the first half very well.

"We didn't find space, it was very important for us to score that goal from Alvaro at the last of the first 45 minutes and in the second half we have space and have a lot of opportunities to score.

"But, I repeat, congratulations to Blackburn because it was a very difficult game."

The goalscoring feast saw City reach 99 goals for the campaign, with Edin Dzeko also netting a double while Sergio Aguero scored on his long-awaited return from a calf injury.

With Dzeko scoring his 15th goal of the season, Pellegrini was asked whether he faced a selection headache for the remainder of the season, with Steven Jovetic also yet to make a comeback from injury, but the Chilean chose to rejoice in his strikeforce's devastating form.

"For me, that's not a problem," he said. "For me it's a problem when you don't have the players to choose.

"I think that Alvaro and Edin Dzeko are in a very good moment. It's very important for the team now that Sergio [Aguero] comes back today and scores in this game.

"We have so many games in the future that we don't have any problems in that sense. We are also waiting on [Stevan] Jovetic, who is massively important to this team."

 

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Benched or not, I want to help Juve - Marchisio

Claudio Marchisio has stressed he wants to help Juventus to a third straight Scudetto, regardless of whether he is in the first team or not.The 27-year-old Bianconeri midfielder is a reported transfer target for Manchester United, with manager David Moyes having watched him score in Juve's 4-1 victory away to Cagliari on Sunday.

However, the Italy international has reiterated his desire to help his current club to the Serie A title and insists he is not fretting about being benched for the champions from time-to-time."After winning the Scudetto two years in a row it's never easy," Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia. "This group have always given their all - even those who aren't necessarily regular starters - and the results are clear to see.

"My goal against Cagliari was an important one, not because some have been saying I'm unhappy on the bench and the like, but rather because we were in a bit of difficultly in that first half.

"Like I've always said, whether I'm on the bench or not I'll always have a great desire to help out the team and the manager, not just in the games but also in training, so I'm completely calm about it.”Juve's victory over Cagliari gave them a half-season total of 52 points, but Marchisio remains focused on winning the league and not reaching a triple-figure points tally.

"One hundred points is something to aim for, but our main objective is the Scudetto, regardless of the number of points we pick up," he continued. "If we manage the third league title in a row then I think we can talk about the best Juve ever."We need to concentrate on what we're doing - on our path and the games we've got coming up - as opposed to the first year, when we were in pursuit of Milan for almost the whole of the second half of the season.

"If we keep working as hard as we are and maintain our desire to win, we can definitely achieve our Scudetto objective."

 

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New Napoli player within the week, says Benitez

Rafa Benitez revealed he is expecting the club president to sign a new player or two in the coming week after Napoli's 3-1 win over Atalanta.

Jose Callejon scored a wonder goal to draw the hosts level in the Coppa Italia last-16 clash following Giuseppe De Luca's opener, before Lorenzo Insigne and a second Callejon strike sealed the win for the Partenopei.

Wednesday's two-goal hero was one of Benitez's summer acquisitions and he is adamant that another new face will be brought to the San Paolo this month.

"I'm sure the president will do something this week," Benitez told reporters. "One hundred per cent. He said that's what he'll do and I expect him to.

"I will not speak about who, though. I do not want to speak about players who are not yet at Napoli.

"It's not easy to find players in January, so it is difficult to complete deals. However, I am confident that the president will make one or two coups this week."

Napoli face Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final stage, with a semi-final against Roma or Juventus on the cards, and Benitez is pleased that his side did not let going a goal behind deter them from victory.

"We knew this could be tough, as Atalanta work very hard, but we reacted well to the opening goal."

 

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Moyes admits FA misconduct charge

Manchester United manager David Moyes has admitted a charge of misconduct over comments made to the media following the Capital One Cup semi-final defeat to Sunderland.

The Scot described the performance of referee Andre Marriner and his officials as "terrible" after Ryan Giggs's own goal and Fabio Borini's penalty left United with a first-leg deficit.

"We're having to play them [the officials] as well as the opposition at the moment," said Moyes after the defeat. "It's really terrible, it really is. We're actually beginning to laugh at them, that's the thing."

Giggs diverted into his own net after Marriner awarded a free kick following Jonny Evans' challenge on Steven Fletcher, with Sebastian Larsson's resulting set-piece collected by Wes Brown and fired across the six-yard box where Giggs inadvertently bundled the ball home.

"I thought the referee was going to blow in our direction for the first goal," Moyes continued. "I couldn't believe he gave a free kick. It was a terrible decision.

"We defended a terrible free kick but how the referee has given a free kick for that is way beyond me. I just cannot see how that is a free kick. The centre-half and the centre-forward jumped together and he gave them a free kick."

The Football Association told Goal that Moyes has asked for a non-personal hearing.

 

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Arsenal step up interest in Senegal defender Kouyate

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Anderlecht centre-half Cheikhou Kouyate, Goal has learned.

The 24-year-old, who impressed during Senegal's 2012 Olympic run to the quarter-finals, has already been the subject of a €6.5m offer from Russian side CSKA Moscow.

But Arsenal are pressing ahead with their own interest in the defender, with club officials due for talks with the player's agent on Thursday in Belgium.

Kouyate has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Southampton having all been credited with an interest in the past six months.

But the Gunners look to have stolen a march on their rivals, with the club ready to pay €6m to seal Kouyate's signature.

Speaking on Wednesday, the player's agent, Saffet Balkan, told Goal: “Tomorrow morning I will have a meeting with two clubs in Belgium to discuss Kouyate’s future.

“One is from Moscow and the other is from the Premier League but both clubs have requested that I do not not say which ones. We already have one offer of €6.5m from Russia which Anderlecht are happy with but now we have to finalise things.

"I think he would prefer to play in England because it will suit his style very well. We will see what happens in the next 24 hours.”

Kouyate has been an ever-present for Senegal’s national side since the Olympics, when his team lost to eventual gold medalists Mexico after extra-time.

He was instrumental in Anderlecht’s Jupiler League triumph last season but has now been told he can leave in January.

 

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Willian 'learning so much' under Mourinho at Chelsea

Chelsea winger Willian has revealed he is "learning so much" from Jose Mourinho after signing for the club in August.

The 25-year-old was signed for a reported €36 million from Anzhi Makhachkala, where he had only played for seven months having joined from Shakhtar Donetsk the previous January.

And Willian says he now feels settled at Stamford Bridge, stating that manager Mourinho is having a positive influence on his career.

"My first impressions of Mourinho were really positive," he told Fifa's official website.

"He is one of the best coaches in the world and he said that he was delighted that I had come to Chelsea, and that he liked the way I play. We talk a lot, and it’s really helping me. I’m learning so much.

"At Shakhtar I was already established and was comfortable with the way the team played," he continued. "Here I have to push myself twice as hard, because there are so many great players around me.

"But I like the pace of the game in England, and the tackling. I’m getting better every day and I know that I can’t relax: if I play well in one game, I have to do even better the next time out."

Chelsea were reported to have made enquiries about the player in every transfer window since 2011 before getting their man, and Willian admitted he had taken a keen interest in the club's form since then.

"I kept an eye on Chelsea’s fortunes after they first tried to sign me," he added. "I developed a bit of a soft spot for the club.

"The problem was that Shakhtar didn’t want to let me go and then Anzhi came in and met my release clause fee.

"But that made my desire to play for Chelsea all the stronger. It took a while, but now I’m here, and I couldn’t be happier.

"My life changed a lot [in 2013]. But it was a great year too, and I’m really happy where I am right now."

 

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'Milan have suffered enough' - Seedorf

Clarence Seedorf says he has a "duty" to end AC Milan's suffering this season and rescue them from the lower reaches of Serie A.

The Dutchman, who spent a silverware-laden decade at San Siro as a player, has been all but confirmed as Massimiliano Allegri's successor and is expected to be officially presented in the coming days having arrived in Italy.

Whilst the Rossoneri beat Spezia 3-1 on Wednesday to seal their spot against Udinese in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, Seedorf stressed his desire to return the club to their former glories.

"At this moment I feel excitement and a sense of duty," he told the Milan Channel. "It's my duty to give 100 per cent to rebuild and restore enthusiasm and security, which there should be here.

"[Former team-mate] Kaka and I are pleased that in a different way we have the chance to re-do things with the Rossoneri.

"The idea is to reconstruct the cycle of success. I hope we can because Milan have suffered enough."

Milan caretaker coach Mauro Tassotti also played down the significance of Seedorf's lack of experience as a coach, with the midfielder hanging up his boots at Botafogo to take over the reins at San Siro.

He told Rai Sport: "Clarence only just stopped playing a couple of days ago, so some might say he has no experience as a coach.

"Others will point out he has played at the highest level for so long that he knows everything he needs to."

Milan's next clash is at home to high-flying promoted club Hellas Verona, which could see Seedorf unveiled at San Siro if his role is confirmed and secured by Sunday.

 

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Schalke: No offers for Arsenal target Draxler

Schalke are yet to receive an offer for Arsenal target Julian Draxler, according to sporting director Horst Heldt.

Goal exclusively revealed on January 11 that Arsene Wenger is weighing up a move for the 20-year-old this month, with the Gunners manager already stating his desire to sign cover for the injured Theo Walcott.

Heldt previously admitted that a January exit for Draxler is possible, but now insists that no offer has been forthcoming from any potential suitors.

"There are no offers from not a single club," he told Sky Sports.

However, Heldt also admitted to Bild that Schalke will have no choice but to sell their prized asset should a club meet his release clause, which is believed to be set at €45.5 million [£37.8m].

"We are still hopeful Julian is to stay on at Schalke, however there are certain arrangements we cannot change," he added.

Draxler, who is currently sidelined with a ruptured tendon, has been open in the past about his desire to move on one day, telling Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger in October: "I can honestly say that it is my dream to play for one of the big clubs at some point."

The Germany international has scored five goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for Schalke so far this season.

 

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Rosicky one of the best in Premier League, says Ozil

Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil lavished praised on team-mate Tomas Rosicky, describing him as "one of the best in the Premier League".

The Czech midfielder's deal expires at the end of the season, but manager Arsene Wenger recently hinted the 33-year-old would be offered an extension to his deal.

And Ozil - who moved to the Premier League leaders from Real Madrid on September 2 - believes the former Borussia Dortmund man is a valuable asset to the squad.

Speaking to the club's official website, the Germany international said: "We are similar types of player. We're strong when we're on the ball, we play quickly and I have lots of fun playing alongside the team.

"In my opinion Tomas belongs to the best midfielders in the Premier League. When you see how much he gives for the team and how he enjoys being on the ball it makes us happy to have a player like that in our ranks."

Ozil has settled into life at the Emirates Stadium well, notching four goals in 16 Premier League appearances, and described his joy at playing for such a fluid outfit.

He added: "Before I came to Arsenal, I knew that the club belonged among the top five in Europe.

"I knew that they were technically gifted and strong and you see that on the training ground when we are doing passing drills - the ball is always moving.

"I think that's thanks to the way young players are coached at the club because they always train with the ball, run passing drills and ultimately it's being rewarded."

 

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Official: Chelsea re-sign Matic for €25m

Chelsea have confirmed they have re-signed midfielder Nemanja Matic from Benfica.
The Blues were on the brink of agreeing a deal worth €25 million for the Serb on Monday after holding talks with the Portuguese giants in Lisbon.

Matic travelled to London on Tuesday to undergo a medical, and has now signed a five-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge.

"I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club," Matic told the club's official website. "I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy."

The 26-year-old joined Chelsea for just €1.8m in 2009 but left two years later as part of the deal which brought David Luiz to west London in January 2011.

Jose Mourinho has long considered a top-class defensive midfielder his most urgent transfer target and with his physique, technical ability and athleticism, Matic is believed to fit the bill perfectly.

Mourinho added: "I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder.

"I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions."

The return of Matic will be financed in large part by the €18m sale of Kevin De Bruyne to Wolfsburg, which is expected to be announced imminently.

 

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Bartra to sign new Barcelona deal

Barcelona and Marc Bartra have reached an agreement to extend the centre-back's contract at Camp Nou until June 2017, the club have announced.

The 23-year-old's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season but the Catalan giants revealed on Wednesday that the defender will sign a new contract in the coming days that will have a buy-out clause of €25 million.

Bartra, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, joined the club aged 11 and is a product of La Masia academy at the Blaugrana.

The defender has found regular first-team opportunities difficult to come by with Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano all preferred to the Spain international.

However, the centre-back has made eight league starts this season under coach Gerardo Martino and recently stated to the club's official website that he feels like a more important part of the team.

Meanwhile, the club are also hoping to tie down full-back Martin Montoya, as his contract expires at the end of the season.

 

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'Ibrahimovic is the world's best' - Raiola

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should have won Monday's Ballon d'Or instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to agent Mino Raiola.

The Swede was not even in the three-man final shortlist that featured Ronaldo, who went on to win the award for a second time, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.

However, the controversial representative of Ibrahimovic is adamant that his client deserved the individual accolade and derided the way voting takes place for the award.

"If I were to choose, the Ballon d'Or should be won by Zlatan," Raiola told France Football.

"It is all politics. Ibrahimovic is the best player in the world. For me, Mino Raiola, Zlatan is the Ballon d'Or winner. Never in my life have I seen a player like him.

"I see no other player who has done as much as him at several clubs (Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG). I have never seen anything like it.

"The only Ballon d'Or I would like to see is a Ballon d'Or chosen by fans, not by others.

"A Ballon d'Or which is not only about who is the greatest, but also the most important for children, for the people... the professionals don't tell me anything."

Ibrahimovic did pick up the Ferenc Puskas award at the ceremony in Zurich for his stunning 40-yard overhead kick against England in a friendly for Sweden.

 

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Neymar: I am capable of so much better

Barcelona star Neymar says he is yet to produce his best form at Camp Nou following his arrival from Santos in the summer.

The Brazil international has a big six months ahead of him as his first campaign in Spain comes to a close ahead of his country’s home World Cup tournament in the summer.

Neymar believes his adaption to life in Barcelona has been quick but insists he is capable of producing even more than he has shown in his time on the pitch to date.

The forward told Sport: “My confidence is increasing with every game. I am starting to be able to show more freedom on the pitch, but I know I can still produce some much better games than I have done so far.

“My adaptation has been very fast but it is still ongoing. Every time I play I feel like I am picking up a little more experience and showing more of my real game.“

Neymar has scored 11 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions since the start of 2013-14 and says he is not concerned about critics stating he should score more often.

The 21-year-old also says a recent spell starting from the substitutes’ bench has not surprised him following illness but is targeting a return to the starting XI in Thursday’s Copa del Rey second leg against Getafe.

“The goals and the assists are something that will come naturally and the truth is that this is not something I am worried about it," Neymar continued.

“First and foremost I want to help the team. The only thing that worries me and haunts me is the challenge to win matches and titles.

“No, I am not surprised to have been on the bench because I have been a little unwell and that has harmed me, but now I am fine and I am back.

“But I always want to play, regardless of the importance of the match. Hopefully I can start in the Copa against Getafe.

“The main things that have helped me to settle in are my family and being with good players who have welcomed me with open arms. They have been very good people with me and I appreciate it very much.”

After their Copa clash with Getafe, Barca return to Liga action away to Levante on Sunday.

 

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Defour eyes Porto exit amid Tottenham interest - agent

Steven Defour will ask to leave Porto amid interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa, according to his agent.

The Belgium international moved to the Portuguese champions in 2011 from Standard Liege but has made just 13 starts in all competitions this season.

With the 25-year-old eager to secure a place in Marc Wilmots' Belgium squad for the World Cup in Brazil, his agent Paul Stefani has revealed Defour will seek a move.

"Steven will tell his club he wants to leave because he wants to play in the World Cup," Stefani told DH.be.

Stefani has also claimed Aston Villa and Tottenham are also interested in acquiring Defour, who was linked with Premier League champions Manchester United prior to his Liege exit.

"Aston Villa? It can become real. There was interest from a few other clubs in England but to say that he may sign there tomorrow? No," Stefani added.

"Anderlecht has been the most concrete from the beginning. They always said they wanted to have Steven.

"Of course Anderlecht has a chance but Steven receives phone calls from other agents who promise him a transfer to Tottenham. It is normal that when you hear the name of Tottenham, we want to think."

 

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Bayern: We'll keep Mandzukic

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed the club want to extend Mario Mandzukic's contract at the Allianz Arena.

With Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski set to join the German champions at the end of the season, reports had linked the Croatia international with a move away from Bayern.Arsenal had been cited as one of Mandzukic's potential destinations, but Rummenigge has insisted negotiations over an extension to his deal that expires in 2016 will take place.

"We will keep Mandzukic and will try to extend his contract," he told Bild.
"I don't have the feeling that he'd be averse to that."

Team-mate Arjen Robben will see his contract expire next year,although Rummenigge is also confident in extending the Netherlands international's stay in Bavaria."I'm always in contact with him and his father and soon we will meet in order to be more specific," he continued.

"We are very happy, and he feels comfortable. I have a good feeling."

 

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Manchester United open to Nani offers

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for Nani despite the Portuguese winger signing a new contract with the club last summer.David Moyes was instrumental in persuading the 27-year-old to sign a new €96,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, but is now open to bids for the former Sporting Lisbon star.

The Portugal international has started just four Premier League games this season, however, and has not featured since the defeat against Newcastle in early December, after which he suffered a hamstring injury in training that Moyes revealed would “keep him out for a while”.

Goal understands the player feels he has been harshly treated by his new manager and, prior to his latest fitness setback, had grown concerned at a lack of playing time, particularly in a World Cup year.

A source told Goal: “The player is aggrieved at how the situation has developed. The new manager convinced him to sign a new deal which he agreed to, even though he was forced to settle for €48,000-a-week less than he was asking for.

“Nani could’ve accepted a far more lucrative offer from abroad in the summer but opted to knuckle down and fight for his place at Old Trafford. His attitude has been spot on in training and he feels aggrieved that he’s not been rewarded with first team opportunities.”

With his contract due to enter its final year this summer Manchester United had been quoting interested parties as little as €9.7 million for a player who had fallen out of favour with Sir Alex Ferguson, but are now asking for around double that following Nani’s decision to pen a five-year extension only four months ago.

Juventus have shown concrete interest in the former Sporting Lisbon star but Goal understands the runaway Serie A leaders are unwilling to match the player’s salary demands.

Moyes, who has been handed a €180m transfer warchest, is determined to reinforce his squad this month with a view to assembling a side capable of maintaining a credible challenge for a top four spot in the Premier League.

The Scot sent a delegation to Madrid earlier this month in an attempt to thrash out a deal for Atletico starlet Koke and has stepped up his interest in Benfica centre-half Ezequiel Garay.

 

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Nani wa sell karanna hadana 1ka gana nam dukai

 

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Arsenal monitoring Giovinco - agent

Sebastian Giovinco’s agent has revealed that Arsenal have "requested information" about the Juventus attacker.

The 26-year-old has started only two games in Serie A for Antonio Conte’s side this season and is in danger of missing out on a place in Italy’s World Cup squad next summer.

Earlier this month, Goal exclusively revealed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is weighing up a move for Schalke’s Julian Draxler as the Premier League leaders attempt to reinforce their attacking options following Theo Walcott’s season-ending knee injury.

“Giovinco and Arsenal? There is a request for information but not an interest that goes beyond that,” Claudio Pasqualin told Tuttomercatoweb.

“The occasion, however, it is useful to reiterate that Sebastian will remain at Juventus.

“It's nice there are interests of this type but they are destined to remain as such."

 

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Van Persie: Champions League win would mean the world to me

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is desperate to win the Champions League, insisting that lifting the trophy would mean the world to him.

The former Arsenal striker was an unused substitute as the Gunners were beaten in the final of the competition back in 2006, while he suffered an exit in the quarter-finals of the competition with United last season.

The Red Devils are gearing up for a last 16 clash against Olympiacos in this season's tournament, having qualified from Group A in first place, and Van Persie is keen to get his hands on European football's most coveted prize.

"It would mean the world to me," the Dutchman told Uefa magazine Champions Matchday. "Of course it's a trophy many players don't win; [you win it] once, if you're very lucky. You have a couple of players who've won it more than once but it’s a very special trophy everyone wants to win every year.

"Only one team can win it, and it's very hard. It seems to get harder every year to win it, because the teams are getting better and better. So it's always hard if you want something everyone wants."

Van Persie made the move to join up with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal back in 2004, and insists that the difficult decision to leave Holland has been fully vindicated.

"Coming to England was the best thing that could have happened to me because I was taking myself out of my comfort zone, out of my nice warm city where I had my family and my friends, and everything was in place," he added.

"Suddenly 'bang', you are in a different country, you are lonely, and [you have to] deal with it. It made me tough, it made me harder and made me more focused on achieving all my goals. It made me realise that I had the biggest influence on my career, and no one else."

 

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Rooney returns to Manchester United as Moyes considers risking him for Chelsea clash

Wayne Rooney returned to Manchester United on Wednesday following a warm-weather training break in Egypt, with the club hopeful his recovery from a groin injury has progressed well enough to see him feature against Chelsea on Sunday.

Rooney has been based in the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh and will now be monitored at Carrington ahead of the crucial clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The 28-year-old has not featured for United since the champions' 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on New Year's Day and with strike partner Robin van Persie still ruled out of with a thigh problem, Moyes is seriously considering bringing him back into the fold as they travel to face Jose Mourinho's side.

Rooney was with wife Coleen and his children in Egypt as well as a United medical officer who was sent to monitor the forward's training.

Moyes and United's medical team based at Carrington have received good reports back but believe that Rooney could still benefit from three to four weeks of proper rest away from training and matches.

"Wayne has done well in Sharm El-Sheikh and the early signs are good," a club source told Goal.

"He will come back into Carrington on Wednesday and be assessed all the way up to the trip down to Chelsea."

United have been attempting to manage Rooney's injury by playing the striker intermittently and resting him one game at a time, but the striker has continued to complain about tightness in his groin.

"Wayne has a bit of a groin-adductor problem which we just think might need a little bit more time," Moyes told reporters ahead of United's 2-0 victory over Swansea on Saturday.

"It looks as if we could bring him in but then he may have to drop out again, so we just want to nip it in the bud and see if we can get on top of it."