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Home  » Sports » Ballack, Sheva to stay at Chelsea

Ballack, Sheva to stay at Chelsea

May 20, 2007 16:12 IST
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FA Cup winners Chelsea expect to sell three players in the close season but they will not include Andriy Shevchenko or Michael Ballack, the club's chief executive said on Sunday.

"It's not going to happen (selling Shevchenko and Ballack). We brought both these players in for three, four years, we didn't bring them in for a season and we knew fully well what their capabilities are and their prospects," Kenyon told BBC radio.

"I'm confident they're going to be here as big players with Chelsea next season."

Ukraine striker Shevchenko, who joined Chelsea from AC Milan for 30 million pounds, and Germany's former Bayern Munich midfielder Ballack have failed to live up to expectations in the league, although both played roles in Chelsea's FA Cup run.

"They feel they have a lot more to give. It takes time to settle in," said Kenyon. "They're two fantastic professionals and I think it's an exciting prospect to see those two guys on top of their game for us next season.

Kenyon added that the club wanted to bring three or four players into a Chelsea squad that struggled to cope with a series of long-term injuries this season.

"I think we're in the region of moving three out and bringing three or four in," he said.

"I don't think we'll have big-name signings because I don't think we need it. We're looking for some cover for central defence, midfield and a striker."

Kenyon also expected contract negotiations with England internationals John Terry and Frank Lampard to be completed in the near future.

"We want Frank to stay, Frank clearly said yesterday he wants to stay and that's always a great basis for getting a contract finalised."

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Source: REUTERS
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