VILLARREAL SIGN MEXICAN STAR

Villarreal president Fernando Roig has announced the club are set to complete a deal for Mallorca forward Giovani dos Santos.

The 24-year-old, who was relegated with los Bermellones last season, was reportedly keen on remaining in the Spanish top-flight in an attempt to strengthen his bid of being named in Mexico's World Cup squad next summer.

Reports emanating from Spain had suggested Valencia were the leading candidates to sign the former Tottenham man, while Atletico Madrid were also linked with a move, but the Yellow Submarine official was delighted to confirm his side had won the race for his signature.

He told reporters: "To make sure [new signing Tomas] Pino isn't on his own, one of his team-mates from Mallorca will be coming with him - Dos Santos."

The Mexico international will complete his switch to El Madrigal on July 18, with the player understood to have signed a four-year deal with the newly-promoted outfit.

CHELSEA SIGN SCHWARZER

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a one-year contract.
The 40-year-old was released by west London rivals Fulham earlier in the summer.
Jose Mourinho had been tracking Norwich's England goalkeeper John Ruddy but, after reportedly having two offers rejected by the Canaries, turned their attention to Schwarzer.
Schwarzer first came to England in 1996 to join Bradford City before moving to Middlesbrough in February 1997, going on to play more than 400 times in 11 years for the Teessiders, lifting the League Cup in 2003 and appearing in the 2006 UEFA Cup final against Sevilla.

In 2008, he moved to Fulham, spending five years at Craven Cottage, where he made 220 appearances.
The Australia No 1 made his international debut in 1994, and has since represented Australia 108 times, including at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

He helped the Socceroos qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil last month and told Sky Sports News: "Once I found out Chelsea were interested in me, it didn't take very long to make up my mind.
"I was looking to find a club that was right for me. Having spoken to the manager, he made it very easy to decide that Chelsea was the right club. The size of the club, the ambition of the club and the opportunities at the club ticked all the right boxes. This is the opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the country, if not the world."
Schwarzer has vast experience as a first-choice goalkeeper but is set to play the back-up role to Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge.
That's something the veteran is prepared for but he believes he is still capable of making an impact at his new club.
"I know that Petr is No.1," he added. "That goes without saying. He's a fantastic goalkeeper. But what's important is that I can come to a club like Chelsea and push myself as much as possible. If I can push Petr Cech to improve as a goalkeeper and help myself improve as a goalkeeper, I'm sure we can learn a lot from each other and I'd be more than happy with that. There are a lot of games throughout the season so if I can do as well as I believe I am capable of doing then there will be opportunities along the way."

FOUR NIGERIAN CLUBS SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

The Nigeria Football Federation has placed indefinite suspension on four clubs after their promotion play-offs ended in outrageous scorelines.
Plateau United Feeders defeated Akurba FC 79-0 while Police Machine FC demolished Babayaro FC 67-0 in the play-off fixtures on Monday, in which the winners would qualify for the Nigeria Nationwide League Division 3.

Chairman of the NFF Organising Committee, Chief Mike Umeh, who is also the NFF first vice-president, demanded that all four clubs are suspended pending further investigations into the fixtures.
“It is unacceptable. This is a scandal of huge proportions. The four teams involved are suspended immediately and indefinitely, pending further sanctions. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it,” Umeh told reporters on Tuesday.
NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, assured that the organising committee would issue severe sanctions on all persons and clubs found guilty as a result of the investigation.
“The teams involved, their players and officials, match officials, co-ordinators and anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter will be severely dealt with,” Sanusi added.

SCHELOTTO COULD LEAVE INTER MILAN

The agent of Inter midfielder Ezequiel Schelotto says there is a "strong chance" his client will leave San Siro during the summer.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri recently, with Torino and Genoa among those reportedly keen on swooping for the Italy international.

However, the player's agent, Daniel Boaglio, has denied any knowledge of the aforementioned clubs being interested in his client - but did reveal that Schelotto was nearing the exit-door after becoming surplus to requirements.
He told Tuttomercatoweb: "Schelotto has four years left on his contract but there is a strong chance of making an exit.
"He had come up with the idea of being at Inter for life. This is his will, but the situation has changed. The signal that has come to us from Inter is to sell the player.
"I do not know anything [of links with Torino and Genoa]," he added. "They only seem to be journalistic voices."
The Argentina-born midfielder, whose current deal expires in 2017, was restricted to just 13 appearances for Inter last season after joining from Atalanta in January, with his only goal coming in the 1-1 derby draw with AC Milan.

SWANSEA AGREE DEAL FOR IVORY COAST INTERNATIONAL

Swansea City have agreed a deal to sign Ivory Coast international Wilfried Bony from Vitesse Arnhem.

The 24-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Swans with midfielder Leon Britton already admitting the transfer would be a massive "statement of intent" by the club.

That statement now appears to have been made with Bony having been pictured with a Swansea shirt and a deal taking the player to the Welsh club is expected to be finalised on Wednesday.
The transfer was also confirmed by Bony's agent Dalibor Lacina, who revealed that his client was looking forward to the chance to work with Michael Laudrup.
"We are glad that Bony has made the next step in his career after playing for Sparta Prague and Vitesse Arnhem," said Lacina, quoted in CTK.
"The transfer to the Premier League he has made his dream come true. Swansea is a big move for him and he is looking forward to working with the coach Michael Laudrup."
The fee is thought to be in the region of £12million and will help Laudrup build on last season's success with a European campaign to prepare for in 2013/14.
Bony was the top scorer in the Eredivisie last season having scored 31 goals in just 30 games for Vitesse.

SUNDERLAND SIGN AMERICAN FORWARD

Sunderland have wrapped the signing of United States striker Jozy Altidore from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

The 23-year-old signed a four-year deal with the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee after passing a medical.

Altidore began his career at New York Red Bulls before heading to Spain with Villarreal, where he went on to enjoy loan spells at Xerez, Hull City and Bursaspor.
His one-year stay at KC Stadium saw him score once in 28 Premier League games, 12 as substitute, in the 2009/10 relegation season.

He moved from Villarreal to AZ in August 2011 and proved an instant hit, scoring 38 goals in 67 appearances.
The American has also registered 17 goals in 60 appearances for his country but will now join up with his new Sunderland team-mates at their pre-season training camp in Italy.
Having failed to score for the US since November 2011, he ended a lengthy goal drought in an international friendly victory over Germany in Washington DC last month.
He said: "'I'm thrilled to be here. It's a fantastic club, I'm really excited about this season and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Altidore joined goalkeeper Vito Mannone, defenders Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite, midfielder Cabral and winger David Moberg Karlsson as part of Paolo Di Canio's new-look squad at the Stadium of Light.

FALCAO: I MADE THE RIGHT MOVE TO MONACO

Radamel Falcao is convinced he has made the right decision in signing for Monaco.
The Colombian forward was the subject of interest throughout last season from major clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris St Germain, but in the end opted for the Ligue 1 outfit from the Mediterranean Principality, owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.
The move was made official on May 31, after Monaco paid Atletico Madrid an estimated 60million euros and agreed a five-year contract with the player.

Monaco, coached by Claudio Ranieri, were promoted to the French top flight last season and will not be competing in European competition in 2013-14.
And in his first press conference as a Monaco player on Tuesday, Falcao acknowledged that eyebrows had been raised at his move.
He said: "Many people think that coming here may be an error and perhaps they are right. But when we win a trophy, I'll know it was the right decision. Choosing a club that isn't in Europe may have surprised some people but we want to be in the Champions League next season. That's our motivation."
He explained he had moved to the Ligue 1 side "for a number of reasons".
"The president and his coaching staff have the same ambition as me, which is to reach the top of European football," he said. "They assured me that I was as a fundamental part of this project, which gave me confidence and security. This club wants to win trophies and that, together with the role I'll have in the team, made me want to come here."

Monaco's stadium, the Stade Louis II, holds 18,500 spectators and last season had an average attendance of just 5,086.
Falcao hopes the improving team will be able to attract more fans to the stadium, but emphasized that there were more important things than playing in front of big crowds.
"We will have to motivate fans to come and support us in our stadium," he said. "[But] you don't get motivated because of the fans in the stands, you get motivated by beating your rivals. And we are stimulated by the fact Monaco want to win the league and get into Europe. That's what should guide us. The points are worth the same with or without people in the stands."
Falcao will play a leading part in a squad that includes compatriot James Rodriguez, plus Portuguese players Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Carvalho. The club announced the signing of Eric Abidal yesterday while Jeremy Toulalan joined last weekend.
Toulalan and Abidal plied their trade in La Liga for the last two seasons and came up against Falcao, who believes his new club will have a finely balanced squad.
"I played against Toulalan and Abidal and they are magnificent," he said. "They are experienced and can help the younger players. This team will not just be good in attack, it will also be solid in defense."

LAHM SLAMS NIKE OVER GOTZE BLUNDER

Bayern Munich skipper Phillip Lahm has lashed out at Nike for allegedly asking Mario Gotze to wear one of their t-shirts during his presentation.

The Bavarian giants, who are contracted to German-based brand Adidas, were stunned when their €37 million signing and defender Jan Kirchhoff appeared at their press conference wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Nike logos.

Subsequently, die Roten have decided to fine both players, but Lahm is adamant the sponsor is to blame and is convinced his new team-mates have been manipulated by their sponsor.

"I don't want to allege Mario and Jan of having bad intentions," the 29-year-old told Sport Bild.

"But I rather think that the players have been ordered by their sponsor to wear the t-shirts at their presentation.

"They just do what what they've been told without considering they and the event have been used for a third-party cause.

"This type of marketing contradicts with the contract of our long-term partners Adidas and does not comply with the term of Bayern Munich."

Gotze was unveiled by Bayern on July 1 after joining from Dortmund, while Kirchoff arrived on a free transfer after spending the last five years with Mainz.

NAPOLI SET TO SIGN MADRID FORWARD

Napoli have revealed they are set to sign Real Madrid striker Jose Callejon.

The 26-year-old came through the youth ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu but left the club for Espanyol in 2008 before rejoining los Blancos three years later.

But he is now edging towards departing the club for a second time after failing to secure regular first team football at the club, as Rafa Benitez's Naples revolution continues.

"In the early afternoon, Jose Callejon landed in Napoli and will carry out medical examinations tomorrow morning," Napoli confirmed on their official Twitter page.

The former Spain Under-21 international's impending arrival could pave the way for the Partenopei to finally sanction the sale of striker Edinson Cavani.

Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked with the Uruguay international following coach Laurent Blanc's revelation that the Ligue 1 champions are interested in his services.

SANTOS PLEAD WITH ROBINHO TO LOWER WAGES

Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues says Robinho must lower his wage demands if he is serious about returning to his former club.

The Peixe are eager to tie up a deal for the AC Milan forward - whose contract expires in 2014 - and appeared to have overcome their biggest hurdle after the Rossoneri reportedly agreed to drop their €10 million valuation to €8.5m.

But negotiations could be set to stall yet again after Santos admitted they need Robinho to take a pay-cut in order to complete the deal.

"I hope Robinho will lower his wages again," Rodrigues told Gazeta Esportiva.

"Milan have set a very high valuation on the player and we hope this can be cut to make the operation more do-able."

The 29-year-old scored just two goals in 23 Serie A appearances last season and found himself on the fringes of the side for much of the campaign.

Robinho began his career at Santos before joining Real Madrid in 2005 and then Manchester City three years later. He returned to Peixe for a loan spell in 2010 but moved onto AC Milan in a permanent deal later that year.

WEST BROM AGREE LOAN DEAL FOR MACEDONIAN FULL BACK

West Brom have agreed a second season-long loan deal for Dynamo Kiev's Macedonian left-back Goran Popov.

The full-back will return to The Hawthorns from Dynamo Kiev with a view to earning a permanent transfer.

Popov, who made 13 appearances last term, apologised in February after he was sent off for spitting at Tottenham's Kyle Walker.
Albion manager Steve Clarke told the club website: "It was always our intention to get Goran back over the summer.
"He knows what the club's about and we know what he's about. He's a good player and it makes sense to bring him back.
"He understands the Premier League better now as well and we will look for even more from him next season."
Popov becomes West Brom's second signing of the close season following the arrival of Nicolas Anelka.

RVP AND BALE ON SHORTLIST FOR UEFA AWARD

Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie are on a 10-man shortlist for UEFA's 2012/3 Best Player in Europe award.

Tottenham forward Bale has already earned the PFA Footballer of the Year award and the Football Writers' equivalent for his performances last season.

And van Persie, who finished as the Premier League's top scorer as he won the title with Manchester United, is another candidate for an award inaugurated in 2011 by UEFA boss Michel Platini.
Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta were the previous winners, and Messi again makes the final cut along with his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris St Germain is France's sole representative, and the remainder of the list is made up of Bundesliga players.
Treble-winning Bayern Munich have four players on the shortlist - Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger - alongside Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.
The shortlist will be reduced to three early next month before a winner - elected by journalists from each of UEFA's member countries - is announced at the draw for the Champions League group stage on August 29.

BECKENBAUER BACKS GOMEZ DECISION TO QUIT BAYERN

Franz Beckenbauer has backed the decision of striker Mario Gomez to join Fiorentina from Bayern Munich.

Following the appointment of Pep Guardiola at Sabener Strasse, the Germany international opted to join the Serie A side for a reported fee of €16 million, and Beckenbauer feels the forward has made the correct choice.

"I think Mario Gomez has made the right decision," the 67-year-old told Sky Sport.

"Bayern Munich has an overbalance up front, and Guardiola prefers player types like Mario Gotze. Therefore it's important to separate."

And the 1990 World Cup winner is adamant Italy is still an attractive destination for ambitious footballers.

"When it comes to football, Italy is still a dreamland. Fiorentina certainly isn't a bad address."

Having fallen out of favour at the Aliianz Arena last term after losing his starting berth to Mario Mandzukic, Gomez is set to revive his career at Vincenzo Montella's side.

The 27-year-old, who joined die Roten from Stuttgart in a transfer worth €30m in 2009, appeared 115 times for the Bavarian giants, scoring 75 goals.

SUAREZ: I WANT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BUT WON'T FORCE MOVE

Liverpool have been told striker Luis Suarez wants to play Champions League football but he will not yet try to force through a move.

The Uruguay international's agent Pere Guardiola, brother of new Bayern Munich coach Pep, revealed as much in scheduled meetings with Reds managing director Ian Ayre and manager Brendan Rodgers on Monday.
It was the first formal communication the club had received from either the player or his representative since the 26-year-old went public on his dislike of his treatment by the English media and the lure of Real Madrid.

Press Association Sport understands that while no transfer request was made Guardiola said Suarez would at least like to consider playing elsewhere.
Liverpool remain steadfast in their stance that last season's 30-goal forward is not for sale but anyone bidding £40million would have the chance to speak to him, although the club insist that figure does not represent a buy-out clause.
The Reds have maintained a good relationship with Guardiola during an eventful two-and-a-half years at Anfield and the discussions were amicable.
However, it is expected Guardiola will now spend the next couple of weeks trying to find a buyer for Suarez - with Madrid still the favourites - and will then notify Liverpool of any interest.
While the Merseysiders do not want to sell they would be likely to value Suarez around £50million, significantly higher than the £30million bid from Arsenal which was rejected last week.

Suarez is on extended leave after international duty in the Confederations Cup in Brazil and is not due to return for training until July 22.
By that time the rest of his team-mates will have completed the first leg of their pre-season tour in Indonesia and the striker could be requested to join up for games in Melbourne and Thailand.
In terms of further exits Blackburn have agreed a £1.75million fee for midfielder Jay Spearing, who spent last season on loan at Bolton, but the deal is apparently dependent on Rovers selling a senior player and so have not had talks with the 24-year-old Reds academy graduate.
Reserve team striker Michael Ngoo, who spent four months of last season on loan at Hearts, could be set for another temporary move to gain experience with Championship side Yeovil.

LA LIGA FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

Neymar will play in his first Clasico for Barcelona against Real Madrid on October 27 at Camp Nou.

The second clash of the 2013-14 campaign between Spain's two superpowers is set for a March 23 date at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Barca start their title defence with a home match against Levante on the weekend of August 17-19.

Last year's runners-up Real Madrid on the other hand take on Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu in their first league game under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The other standout ties of matchday one are the game between Valencia and Malaga and the match versus Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.

The first leg of the Supercopa de Espana - the traditional season opener - between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will take place on August 21 at the Vicente Calderon, with the return at Camp Nou seven days later.

Find the complete fixtures for the first week;

       Barcelona vs Levante
  Real Madrid vs Betis
          Valencia vs Malaga
             Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid
 Real Sociedad vs Getafe
        Valladolid vs Athletico Bilbao
           Osasuna vs Granada
   Celta de Vigo vs Espanyol
            Almeria vs Villarreal
Rayo Vallecano vs Elche 

DORTMUND COMPLETE SIGNING OF MKHITARYAN

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Dortmund made an obligatory statement to the German stock exchange on Monday confirming they were in negotiations with Shakhtar for the Armenian, but that "details still have to be resolved".
Overnight, Donetsk said the transfer was wrapped up and the 24-year-old midfielder had become a Dortmund player for a fee of £23.7million.

Dortmund have confirmed that Mkhitaryan has agreed a four-year contract to become the club's third summer signing following the arrivals of Soktratis Papastathopoulos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Liverpool had been heavily linked with the player throughout the summer - although there was never any official contact between either club or Mkhitarian himself.

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc told the club's official website: "We are delighted that we got a fantastic new signing for the attacking midfield role in Henrikh Mkhitaryan."
Dortmund's chairman of the board Hans-Joachim Watzke added: "It was not an easy transfer, but we really wanted to have Henrikh - and now we have him!"
Mkhitaryan shot to prominence last season when he scored 12 goals in his side's first nine games of the season.
He then scored twice in his side's opening Champions League tie against FC Nordsjaelland and helped the club dispose of Chelsea in the group stage of that competition.
He made a total of 106 appearances for Shakhtar and scored 46 goals and is destined to plug the gap in the Dortmund side left by the sale of Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich.

FERDINAND WARNS ROONEY ABOUT LEAVING UNITED

Ferdinand had some words for Rooney

He's mature enough now and old enough to make his own mind up. I'm sure in time he'll have his say.
I don't see where you go better from here. For instance, Cristiano has been ridiculous as a football player individually but has he won more trophies since leaving than what we've won? That's the way I look at it.
I wouldn't say that he shouldn't have gone there; it was his dream to go there, so you have to respect that. But I just look at things in a plain, black and white way - I want to win trophies so why would I leave here?

– Man United defender, Rio Ferdinand

ARSENAL STRIKER IN DISCUSSIONS WITH FRANKFURT

Nicklas Bendtner will arrive in Germany today to discuss a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, according to German sports magazine Kicker.

The Danish striker barely featured on loan at Serie A champions Juventus last season and has never managed to win over Arsenal's fans since making his senior debut in 2007.
Reports earlier this week have also suggested that Malaga are interested in securing his services.

FIORENTINA SET JOVETIC TRANSFER FEE AT €30M

Fiorentina co-owner Andrea Della Valle has stressed that the club will not back down from their €30 million valuation of striker Stevan Jovetic.

Juventus had been linked with the Montenegrin forward as they bid to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.

But following the arrivals of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez, Bianconeri general director Beppe Marotta revealed that the club had called off their pursuit of Jovetic due to the poor relations between the two sides.

And Della Valle has made it clear that his club could only be tempted into selling 23-year-old to the Serie A giants for a huge transfer fee.

"Give us €30 million or nothing," he told Sport Mediaset.

"We need to understand if they have the money or not. We do not accept exchanges. We won't go down from our €30m demand and won't wait much longer."

The Viola have brought in Mario Gomez from Bayern Munich for a fee of €16m on Monday, and Della Valle hinted that Gomez's signing was not made to replace Jovetic, but complement him.

"It was important and the negotiations were difficult," he added. "Gomez is the missing piece in Vincenzo Montella's team."

EVERTON SET TO SIGN PARAGUAYAN INTERNATIONAL

Everton are set to seal the signing of Paraguayan international defender Antolin Alcaraz.

The 30-year-old defender is a free agent having left Wigan Athletic at the end of the season when his contract expired.

New Everton boss Roberto Martinez has already raided his former club this week to sign Arouna Kone, and now he has moved for another of his former charges in the shape of Alcaraz.
Sky Sports understands the central defender has agreed a two-year deal with the Toffees and is set to sign on at Goodison Park after a medical, which is due to take place on Tuesday.
Alcaraz and Kone could both be joined by another former team-mate as Sky Sports understands that goalkeeper Joel Robles, who was on loan at Wigan last season from Atletico Madrid, is also set for talks with Everton.

LAZIO SIGN ANDERSON

Lazio have secured the services of Felipe Anderson from Santos for an undisclosed fee, according to the club's official website.

The 20-year-old had long been linked with a move to the Serie A side and has now signed a five-year deal with the Biancocelesti to complete his transfer.

Anderson is a product of the Santos youth academy and made his official first team debut for the Brazilian giants in October 2010.

The midfielder had since developed into a key player at Santos, attracting the interest of a number of European sides in the process.

Lazio initially struck a deal with Santos to sign Anderson in January, but the move then fell through following complications over the necessary paperwork.

Anderson will now continue his career in the Italian capital after all, though, as he joins compatriots Hernanes, Ederson and Andre Dias.

RODGERS: ASPAS IS A FIERCE COMPETITOR

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that he signed Iago Aspas because he displayed a winning mentality during his time at Celta.

The Reds boss wants to marry technical quality with mental strength going into the new season and observed that the Spaniard became an attractive proposition this summer because he is a fierce competitor on the pitch.

"When we sat down last year we felt we needed to bring more of that mentality into the group - players with quality but also players with a winning mentality," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"Iago is a real competitor but he's also got quality as well. We're really looking forward to seeing him in action."

Aspas is joined at Anfield by fellow Spaniard Luis Alberto, whom the former Swansea City manager sees as one for the future.

"He's one who, over the next period of time, we'll see is an outstanding player. He fits what we're trying to do really well," the Northern Irishman continued.

"He's a very young player but he's played competitive games and the philosophy won't be anything new to him.

"He understands the game very well. He's got the right profile of what we want and he's another player who can score goals. I'm very much looking forward to working with him and seeing how he develops in the squad."

NORWICH CLOSING IN ON DUTCH INTERNATIONAL

Leroy Fer's agent says that the Dutch international has a number of offers, as reports in Holland claim Norwich City are closing in on the FC Twente star.

The 23-year-old midfielder was close to joining Everton in the January transfer window, but the deal fell through.

Now a number of clubs from around Europe are being linked, although it is Norwich who it is claimed are closing in on his signature.
When asked about Norwich signing Fer, his agent Rob Jansen told Tubantia: "There are actually several offers for Fer."
It is also being reported in the Dutch media that Norwich are now in the running to sign another Eredivisie star in the shape of Ajax's Belgian international defender Toby Alderweireld.

MOURINHO: THE OLDER PLAYERS ARE VERY CRUCIAL TO CLUB

As Chelsea returned for pre-season training for the first time under Jose Mourinho in six years, he insisted that his old players were crucial to the club's 'legacy'.

Last season, it seemed the likes of Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and captain John Terry could be playing their final seasons for the club as reports claimed that owner Roman Abramovich wanted a new look.
However, after his first day back on the job, Mourinho was quick to emphasise the importance of his old guard.

"This is the legacy of the club culture - as some guys are arriving they have others who can transmit to them immediately what this club means," Mourinho told The Sun.
"One day, these older players will finish and the younger guys now will be the older ones in the future, so the Chelsea culture is continuously passed on from one generation to the next."
Mourinho also singled out the example of his former star Didier Drogba, who became a club legend.

"I think Didier Drogba, as a man and as a professional, is a good guy to be looked at as a very special player in the history of this club," he said.
"I can use Didier as a profile to persuade the young boys to follow me because he did follow me from day one.
"He was playing in France and nobody really knew a lot about him when I asked the owner Roman Abramovich to buy him.
"Some people thought he was too expensive for somebody who had not proved himself. Then, in the owner's 10th year in charge, he was voted the best player in Chelsea's history.
"I think every player can have the same ambition that Didier had because he was a guy driven by ambition, by emotion, by friendship and by loyalty.
"He was loyal to the club, the manager, his fellow players and the fans."
As he returned, Mourinho admits that his first thought is to make the Chelsea fans 'happy' this season.
"I want to make the Chelsea fans happy - by results, by our playing style, by the mentality and the personality of the team," he said.
"They have to know that we always give everything.
"I know from my record at Chelsea, also at Inter and Madrid, that I made many decisions that helped my teams.
"If I gamble with a very risky decision, it can go the wrong way. How many times did I play here with three defenders?
"I remember against West Ham (in April 2006) we were losing 1-0 and we were playing with 10 men after Maniche got a red card early in the game.
"I still gambled because I wanted to win with 10 men - and we did win, 4-1."

CARDIFF IN TALKS WITH IN DEMAND INCE

Blackpool winger Thomas Ince has held talks with Barclays Premier League new boys Cardiff, ITV Football understands.
Ince's father, Seasiders boss Paul Ince, said at the end of June the Championship club had accepted a bid - reported to be £8million - from Cardiff for the 21-year-old.

And it is understood that the England Under-21 international was in Wales yesterday to discuss a potential move to the Cardiff City Stadium.
Thomas Ince has developed a considerable reputation since joining Blackpool from Liverpool in 2011, emerging as one of the most sought-after players in the English second tier.
Last term he scored 18 goals for the Tangerines and he also netted in their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday, a 2-0 victory over Penrith.
He has eight England Under-21 caps and featured for the team at last month's European Championships in Israel.
Cardiff have already recruited Denmark striker Andreas Cornelius from FC Copenhagen this summer on a five-year-deal as they make preparations for their maiden Premier League campaign, having sealed promotion by winning the Championship title last season.

ASTON VILLA DROP BENTEKE FROM OFFICIAL TOUR

Aston Villa have confirmed star striker Christian Benteke has handed in a transfer request.
The Belgian has not travelled to a pre-season training camp in Germany after being given extra time off by Villa, who are reluctant to part company with one of their best players.
In a statement, the club said: "In response to reports that Christian Benteke has not travelled to Germany with the club and has made a transfer request, we can confirm that both are accurate.

"For clarity's sake, however, he had already been given extra time off until July 18 and was reminded that there are three years remaining on his contract, we consider him to be a Villa player and expect that he will be with us for the 2013-14 season.
"Having received his transfer request, we have also informed him that should we receive an offer within an appropriate timeframe during pre-season which meets our valuation we would act upon it. But he will remain a Villa player should this not happen."
mfl
Benteke was crucial to Villa avoiding relegation last season with 19 goals in the league, while he scored 23 in all competitions after moving to the midlands from Genk for a reported £7million.
The news is likely to alert London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea, both of whom have been linked with Benteke and can offer him Champions League football this season.
Villa boss Paul Lambert expressed his disappointment at Benteke's decision although he remains hopeful the 22-year-old will remain at Villa Park.
"While we're hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it's important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that," he said.

MOURINHO: I'LL PLAY NICE AND ATTRACTIVE FOOTBALL AT CHELSEA

Jose Mourinho has promised Chelsea fans a more attractive brand of football next season.

The Portuguese's first spell at Stamford Bridge was largely successful but the Blues still came under criticism for a percieved negative approach to matches and the 50-year-old says that his aim is to make the supporters happy by the results and the style in which they are achieved.

"I want to make the Chelsea fans happy - by results, by our playing style, by the mentality and the personality of the team," Mourinho told The Sun.

"They have to know that we always give everything. I know from my record at Chelsea, also at Inter and Madrid, that I made many decisions that helped my teams.

"If I gamble with a very risky decision, it can go the wrong way. How many times did I play here with three defenders?

"I remember against West Ham [in April 2006] we were losing 1-0 and we were playing with 10 men after Maniche got a red card early in the game. I still gambled because I wanted to win with 10 men — and we did win, 4-1."

The Blues have announced the arrival of youngsters Andre Schurrle and Marco van Ginkel already this summer but the former Porto coach says that the Chelsea old guard still have a part to play.

He added: "This is the legacy of the club culture — as some guys are arriving they have others who can transmit to them immediately what this club means.

"One day, these older players will finish and the younger guys now will be the older ones in the future, so the Chelsea culture is continuously passed on from one generation to the next."

NEWCASTLE TARGET BENT AND REMY

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has confirmed he wants to sign strikers Darren Bent and Loic Remy.

Pardew wants to boost his strikeforce which was over-reliant on Papiss Cisse last season.
Bent is out of favour at Aston Villa, whilst Remy is available following QPR's relegation to the Championship.

Pardew had tried to sign Remy from Marseille in the January transfer window but was beaten to it by Harry Redknapp.
Pardew told the Northern Echo: "Both of those players are on our list. I make no bones about that.
"But they are under contract at other clubs. It's difficult, you have to be careful. It's nice for our fans to hear names, but I don't want to disrupt other clubs' preparations.
"We have a list of four or five strikers who will push Papiss Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Adam Campbell and Yoan Gouffran because that will be important next season.
"We do need two strikers. Last year, I didn't think there was enough competition in that area for a Premier League team."

INTER SIGNING DELIGHTED TO BE BACK TO CHILDHOOD CLUB

Marco Andreolli is delighted with his return to Inter and says he has nothing but fond memories of his previous spell with the Giuseppe Meazza side.

The defender, 27, previously wore the Inter jersey from 2003 until 2007 before joining Roma in search of regular first team action, but returned to the Nerazzurri on a free transfer last week.

"I'm really proud and happy to be back home. I grew up with Inter, I made my Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia debuts here," Andreolli told the official club website.

"We won the Coppa Italia with the Primavera and I scored against AC Milan in the final.

"I'll never forget how excited I was that day.

"I went mad when we won the 2007 Scudetto at Siena and I was lucky to be a part of so many other great achievements.

"Then I went to Roma, Sassuolo and Chievo and I'm grateful to everyone - coaches, team-mates and club officials alike - who's helped me improve as a player.

"Now I'm back here to take up from where I left off and give everything I've got for my Inter.

"I hope to relive the thrills I had here the first time."

Andreolli has signed a four-year deal with Inter.

MADRID LEGEND SET TO RETURN TO CLUB

Real Madrid say club legend Raul will be wearing the Blancos jersey for 45 minutes in the upcoming Santiago Bernabeu Trophy clash against the forward's current club Al-Sadd this summer.

The Spanish giants host the Qatari champions on August 22 in the annual friendly game, with the 36-year-old playing one half for each side to celebrate his return.

"Al-Sadd will be the rival of Real Madrid in the next edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy. The Qatari team will play against the Blancos on Thursday August 22 to contest the XXXV edition of the tournament (22:30 hours)," a Madrid statement on the club's official website reads.

"Raul will return to the stadium where he played for 16 seasons. To commemorate this occasion, the former captain of Real Madrid will play 45 minutes with each team."

The former Spain international left Madrid for Schalke in the summer of 2010 after well over 700 official appearances for the Liga giants.

He then spent two seasons at the Bundesliga outfit before joining Al-Sadd last year, helping them to secure their 13th league crown.

Real Madrid won the annual friendly fixture 8-0 against Colombian side Millonarios last year.