Chelsea plumb for Ricky Lambert...

Strong sources close to Sky Sports and the BBC have claimed that Chelsea boss Mourinho is to withdraw from his interest in United ace Rooney to focus on the Saints' striker Ricky Lambert.

The new England call up is expected to be in talks with Chelsea whilst in London training with the England squad, and Southampoton have said they expect no less than £16 million for the highly regarded hitman.

Mourinho said "Rooney and Ricky are very similar, in height, physique and style, and I can see Ricky being an instant hit with the Chelsea support. Ricky is possibly the best English born striker in the Premier league at the moment and Chelsea would be honoured to have this tremendous talent at the club".

Mourinho also went on to liken the Saints star to Didier Drogba, who shot Chelsea to Champions League glory after Mourinho failed to lift the lucrative trophy whilst at Stamford Bridge, "I see Drogba in Lambert, two hungry strong strikers that once given their opportunity to shine will ensure they become the best"

Ricky Lambert is expected to be part of the Chelsea set up as early as next week.