Chelsea are ready to make a Summer bid for Valencia left-back Juan Bernat, as they seek a long-term replacement for veteran Ashley Cole.
Since Jose Mourinho has returned to Stamford Bridge, Cole has been out of favour due to Cesar Azpilicueta being chosen at left-back, despite being a natural right-back for most of his career.
With Cole’s contract expiring this Summer, Mourinho and Roman Abramovich are now weighing up whether or not to offer him another 12-month deal, which will see him remain until 2015, but according to reports, the club are willing to listen to offers for the Englishman.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with Southampton’s Luke Shaw as the long-term replacement, but the 18-year-old could be an expensive option due to his reputation, so their attentions have now turned to La Liga and 21-year-old Bernat.
Scouts have been monitoring Bernat over the past few weeks, and they have been impressed with the Spaniard’s performances.
Bernat is rated at around £6million, whereas Shaw could be worth more than £20m.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
