Chelsea Late Bid For Fulham's Malbranque

By Gary Spate
June 16 2003

CHELSEA have emerged as late challengers to Liverpool in the race to gain Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque's signature. Liverpool have been linked with the French midfielder for a long time and it was thought that they were almost set to capture him until Chelsea arrived on the scene.

Christian Damiano, who worked closely with Malbranque when he was the Cottagers' assistant manager, is now a member of Liverpool's backroom staff so this added weight to the claims that he was set to join the Reds.

However, according to the French press, Chelsea have now emerged as late challengers for his signature and are believed to be leading the race.

Malbranque is likely to want to stay in West London where he has settled so a move to Chelsea is the most likely of options. The Blues can also offer Champions League football.