Chelsea’s recent freebies haven’t had much success at the Bridge

Chelsea’s decision to bring in Ross Turnbull on a free transfer makes sense: they get to fill the squad place vacated last January by Carlo Cudicini on the cheap and if a year or two down the line they want to upgrade, he’s young enough for them to make a profit on him.

But is the former Middlesbrough keeper going to stay the duration of his four-year contract and prove a shrewd acquisition or will he be swiftly written of as a failure? Chelsea’s recent record at signing out-of-contract players suggest that the latter is more likely.

The last four players that the Blues have picked up for nothing - Steve Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim, Claudio Pizarro and Mineiro - started a combined 21 league

Argentinean could challenge third party ownership under EU law

It takes Wengeresque brain power to fully understand the intricacies of the Carlos Tevez transfer situation, but here are the bare facts: the Argentinian’s registration is owned by a third party named Media Sports Investments (MSI), the founder and president of which is his advisor Kia Joorabchian. His contract with MSI means he is not allowed to agree to anything without their consent. Manchester Utd have paid between £6m and £10m during his two year ‘loan deal’ at Old Trafford, and in order to secure his services next year, they will have to make up the rest of his £32m valuation.

The Sun’s Ian McGarry, however, suggests that Utd should not have to shell out a hefty transfer fee to keep their wet dog-alike: citing EU law, the journalist purports that Tevez can sign for the club any time he wants, provided his own personal terms are met.

Under the Bosman ruling,