SOCCER: The Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, believes the title race may be over if his team increase their 10-point lead by another two or three points.

Chelsea have been gradually increasing their advantage at the top, as their relentless form has exploited Arsenal's troubles and kept Manchester United at a distance.

"There is so much ground for the teams chasing us to make up," the former Porto coach told Chelsea TV. "Could you ever imagine that with all the new players and a new coach we could be 10 clear at this stage?

"Of course 10 points is 10 points, it is better than seven and it is better than five, but, if one day we lose a game or two points and the gap goes from 10 to seven or eight, we are ready to accept it as natural and keep going, controlling the distance. If it goes from 10 to 12 or 13 points then maybe it will be over."

Lauren is close to signing a two-year deal to stay at Arsenal after protracted negotiations with the club. Arsenal initially offered the right back only a one-year extension to his contract, which expires this summer, and the 28-year-old was unhappy with that.

Adrian Mutu's move to Juventus is on hold, the Serie A side said. The 26-year-old forward was released by Chelsea last year after testing positive for cocaine and banned for seven months by the FA.

Mutu was supposed to have been presented to the media yesterday but the club have been forced to delay as they are "still awaiting the arrival of Mutu's transfer from the English federation (FA)".

Arsenal's Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry have won places in UEFA's team of the year for 2004. Mourinho was named coach of the year.

UEFA TEAM OF THE YEAR 2004: Buffon (Juventus), Cafu (AC Milan), Carvalho (Chelsea), Nesta (AC Milan), A Cole (Arsenal); Ronaldo (Manchester United), Maniche (FC Porto), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Nedved (Juventus), Henry (Arsenal), Shevchenko (AC Milan). Coach: Mourinho (Chelsea).