Chelsea look set to Leigh into Everton for Baines signature

Chelsea are rumoured to be lining up Leighton Baines to take over the Chelsea left-back position, with the expected loss of Ashley Cole at the end of the season.

Ashley Cole’s current contract is due to expire next summer and it is said that Chelsea are only willing to offer a one-year extension to his current contract.

Ashley turned 32 last week and is thought to be holding out for a two-year extension, but would be willing to leave the West London club for free in the summer should they fail to agree terms.

Ashley has been linked with various big clubs over Europe and would not be shy of offers should Chelsea not value the player enough to give in to his demands.

Leighton Baines is reported however to be a January transfer target, leading me to suggest that Chelsea have given up on Cole staying into next season.

Baines has been an outstanding consistent performer for Everton at left-back, and is also Everton’s first-choice penalty taker. He was picked for the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year in 2012, and was also picked to receive Everton’s Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, and Goal of the Season awards for the 2010-2011 season.

I believe Leighton to be one of the best left-backs in the world, behind Ashley Cole and Philip Lahm, but ahead of leading Premier League left-backs Assou-Ekotto, Patrice Evra and Jose Enrique. Chelsea could not be faulted for attempting to sign the Evertonian to take over from Cole, but the Blues may receive some bad press for over-looking current squad member Ryan Bertrand.

Bertrand played his part in Chelsea’s Champions League triumphs last season, but has been over-looked so far this season. He was played in midfield for most of his appearances last season but is widely regarded as a left-back. He had been waiting for his chance and will not be happy with Chelsea signing a further experienced left-back for him to play understudy to.

The 23 year-old has been at Chelsea since 2005, and has since played for England at every level from U17 up to his senior debut in 2012. He has been subject to praise from various managers but Chelsea seem unwilling to give the youngster a chance. If we don’t give him his chance to fight for his place when Ashley leaves he might just have to leave in the summer as well. Do you rate Bertrand?