The bookmakers expect the Blues to miss out on Carlos Tevez

This is a huge transfer window for Chelsea - their chance to build on a strong end to the season by bringing in players who can freshen up the squad and thrust them back into title contention - but it hasn’t gone to plan so far.

With Manchester United losing two of their “Fab Four”, the Blues have a real chance to close the gap but they have already been snubbed by Glen Johnson, while Ricardo Carvalho wants to leave and Michael Essien’s agent has made noises about his client moving to Spain.

Whereas a few weeks ago they were linked with Franck Ribery, Sergio Aguero and David Villa, this morning it’s Charlton youngster Jonjo Shelvey and Ross

The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Gareth Barry to Manchester City
Following last summer’s messy transfer saga, it’s thought that Rafa Benitez will use his beloved transfer kitty to finally land the Villa star in the closed season. The Birmingham Mail, however, are reporting that Manchester City could step in with a cheeky £14m bid.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: With twelve months remaining on his contract and a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque approach to loyalty, it seems Barry will move on in the summer. Rafa is reportedly only willing to offer £10m, so the Citizens might win this transfer battle.

Xabi Alonso not going to Juventus
The Mirror are claiming that The Old Lady are all set to launch a £15m bid for the Spaniard. His agent Ignacio Ibanez, however, has rubbished the story in an interview with Calciomercato.it:

“I don’t know anything about these reports.

“It is true that we negotiated his possible move to Juve last year, but we are talking about last summer. I have not spoken