Rumour Roundup

Another selection of transfer rumours that, as usual, proliferate at this time of year.

AC Milan's Andrei Shevchenko is still one of our top targets, according the Independent. His agent has since dismissed the story by claiming we cannot afford him. Odd considering we're owned by one of the world's richest men.

The Independent also has us chasing Rio Ferdinand, who they say is much admired at Stamford Bridge. However sources admit that Ferdinand remains a "long-term project" and they will see whether he signs a new deal with Man Utd before making any move.

Not content with linking us with two of the world's best players in their respective positions, the paper goes on to suggest that we'll make a £15m bid for Spurs' Jermain Defoe as soon as the transfer window opens. Apparently an approach for Defoe had been discussed previously -- and then ruled out -- but is back on the agenda again because Defoe's contract talks with Spurs aren't progressing smoothly.

Meanwhile the Daily Mirror reports that Spurs are said to be considering a bid for Joe Cole. Maybe there's some kind of swap plus cash deal on the cards? (I read recently that Cole believes he's being frozen out of Chelsea. After speaking with someone who knows himà¢Â€Â”they weren't very forthcoming on the issueà¢Â€Â”I believe there's definitely more to his absence than just not being picked. Anybody else heard anything?)

The Daily Mail has Southampton scuppering Cole's move to Three Point Lane, instead suggesting that the Saints want to take him on loan for the rest of the season. (Maybe it would be a good move for him to join Harry Redknapp again? God knows Southampton need someone of his ilk to help them out of a sticky situation. We also wouldn't lose one of our best naturally gifted players.)

And to top it all off the Daily Star reports that Celtic want to take Scott Parker on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer. I hope both the club and player dismiss any approach -- if indeed there's one forthcoming -- and then laugh.

*Related links:*

* Joe's perfect for Spurs

h3. Joe Cole vows to stay · Update

Joe Cole has pledged to stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season despite struggling to make an impression under Jose Mourinho, reports the Evening Standard

Cole said: "I'd love to be involved again and will hopefully be given the chance to reproduce some of the form I had at the start of the season. The mood is really good in the camp at the moment and I'm happy to be here."

Good news.

*Related links:*

* Cole wants another chance * Cole must be patient - Jose * 'No chance' of Cole being sold, insists Mourinho

h3. Lazio want Parker on loan · Update

Lazio are plotting a loan swoop for Scott Parker in January, according to Sky Sports

The Rome club have been alerted to the midfielder's abilities by his former Charlton Athletic team-mate Paolo Di Canio, who is a huge admirer of the England international.

Italian sources claim contact has already been made between the two clubs and that Chelsea would even be prepared to part-finance the temporary transfer such is their belief that Parker will eventually prove himself with The Blues.