City still convinced Terry has his price

CARLO ANCELOTTI met John Terry for the first time yesterday and Chelsea’s manager suggested it was business as usual as he attempted to brush off the link between his captain and Manchester City and outline his blueprint for the season.

But Chelsea’s insistence Terry had been welcomed back for pre-season training only by Ancelotti and not by any member of the board – to discuss his future – was taken as an encouraging sign at Eastlands, where City executives remain convinced Terry has his price.

Chelsea’s stance is relaxed on an issue that flared once again towards the end of last week, when City made a bid of around €35 million for the England captain. As with their offer for him in January, it was rejected out of hand and, in a strongly-worded statement, Chelsea said Terry is not for sale.

Ancelotti and Peter Kenyon, Chelsea’s chief executive, reinforced that message on Monday, with both also saying Terry had told them he wants to stay, yet City do not believe it and until they hear categorically from either Terry or his agent he has no interest in a move, they will not lose hope.

City are ready to increase their bid and willing to double Terry’s weekly wage of €157,000 to make him the highest paid player in world football. They feel his head has been turned. Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to seek a marquee signing. Terry has stated it is vital they close such a deal.

City did not put forward last week’s bid for Terry without first sounding out people close to him, and they continue to read encouragement into his refusal thus far to kill the story with a public statement. Chelsea, meanwhile, say there is no need for such a move, given Terry’s allegiance in the past.

Ancelotti, the former Milan manager, spoke to Terry on the telephone last month, after he had agreed to move to Stamford Bridge. Apparently, the Italian got Terry’s number from David Beckham, who played for him at Milan. Then, as yesterday, Ancelotti spoke to Terry about football matters as he maintains that financial matters are not his domain.

The Italian has remarked that leading players such as Kaka, who turned down City in January and has since moved from Milan to Real Madrid, need to be playing at Champions League-qualified clubs. City cannot yet offer that, or even a place in the new Europa League. They were reminded of this yesterday by Daniel Sturridge, the striker who ran down his contract at Eastlands and completed a transfer to Chelsea. City are entitled to compensation for the 19-year-old and the fee is to be determined by tribunal, with City demanding €11.6 million and Chelsea prepared to offer somewhat less.

Guardian Service