Chelsea looking to grab their rival’s left back

Chelsea are continuing to search for a new left back after it looks certain Ashley Cole will leave Stamford Bridge in the summer once his contract runs out.

They latest target is Spurs left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The Cameroon international has been out injured for a while but as he continues to get nearer to returning to full fitness could Chelsea be prepared to snatch from their near neighbours?

The Blues were originally interested in the young Southampton left back Luke Shaw who is just 17 years old. But there is a huge risk signing a young left back as their only other left back is also of a young age and two rookie defenders may be a potential target for opponents.

Although the current replacement Ryan Bertrand is highly rated and has great talent the feeling is that he would still benefit from playing with a more experienced defender in the same position.

Chelsea are willing to table and offer of £5 million for the left back, that would be slight profit for Spurs after they originally paid only £3.5 million in 2006 when they bought Assou-Ekotto from Lens.

Daniel Clark

@DanClincs