It seems to be one Russian connection after another lately as far as links in the press to Chelsea are concerned anyway and with Didier Drogba’s future never certain, it seems Chelsea are keeping CSKA Moscow’s Vagner Love in mind as a possible replacement.

With the Ivorian playing his usual guessing games this season, it’s hardly surprising Chelsea have declined to open talks yet on his contract which expires next summer. And given his apparent lack of both fitness and desire, again it’s no surprise Chelsea are rumoured to be looking around at other prospects.

Vagner Love has been linked with us in the past and was even reported as a target for our former manager before his exit last month. The Brazilian striker has also caught the attention of our temporary manager, following an impressive campaign in Russia last season, with 20 goals in 26 league games. And whether Hiddink stays beyond this season or not, the suggestion is that he’ll still be responsible for earmarking potential targets in the meantime. With the 24 year old valued at around £15million, reports suggest Love will almost certainly be a name Guus Hiddink puts forward.

Obviously Roman Abramovich’s close links with CSKA will always be rumoured to give him a headstart over any other potential buyers but whether or not that’s the case, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Filed under: Rants, Rumours