Mourihno set to spend big on striker

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has indicated the club will spend heavily in the summer on a new striker but will not have to sell key players such as Eden Hazard to fund the transfer.

The introduction of financial fair play rules mean Chelsea do not intend to splurge as freely as they did previously under the Roman Abramovich regime. But when asked whether the club would be able to fork out up to €60 million in the summer on a new player, Mourinho replied: "Yes, I think Chelsea can do that. I think Chelsea can't do that with four or five players and spend £200 million or £250 million but Chelsea can do that with one player."

The Portuguese denied that three defeats in Chelsea’s past five matches have convinced him to plot a major overhaul of his squad. But he admitted that “a couple” of new players will be recruited, with one likely to be a centre forward. Mourinho claimed that does not necessarily mean the end of Fernando Torres’s career at Stamford Bridge but his reassurance for the striker had a hollow ring.

Failed Rooney attempt
"He's a good professional, he tries his best," said Mourinho of the player who has scored four Premier League goals this season. "Someone that gives everything

. . . He’s a good professional in training and in his social life.”

With Samuel Eto'o still injured , Torres or Demba Ba are likely to feature against Stoke City today as Chelsea attempt to get their title challenge back on track. Mourinho denied he made a mistake in not ensuring Chelsea had better striking options after failing to prise Wayne Rooney from Manchester United last summer.

"We wanted a season to see, analyse and to choose well," he said.
Guardian Service