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Nothing new and exciting to report on the David Luiz front this morning (yet), but there seems to be another defender whom we've shown interest in supposedly available. Gregory Van der Weil, the 22 year old first choice right back of both the Netherlands and Ajax may be available if Liverpool fail to sign Luis Suarez. Ajax seems determined to cash in on one of their three prized assets this winter, with goaltender Marteen Stekelenburg likely heading to Manchester United this summer. According to Sky Sports (among many others), Van der Weil's agent has stated the following:
"I think if one of the clubs want him (Chelsea, United), he would have to think about it. The main thing is that Ajax will have to make a decision about that.
"But at the moment nothing is concrete, there is no offer on the table. He still has a contract for five years, so it all depends on Ajax and whether they are willing to let him go, and whether Luis Suarez joins Liverpool.
"Then it is up to the player and whether he wants to leave. So you never know, but we will see. But this is all speculation, I have not had any calls."
I fully expected that Van der Weil would be one of the names we are most linked to this summer, as Carlo has been a long time admirer, he's young, and he's one of the best at his position in the world. At some point he's going to leave his homeland for a more prestigious league, so he seems a perfect fit for Chelsea. I just can't picture United having the money to sign him with Van der Sar and possibly Giggs retiring at years end even if this doesn't happen this week (it's unlikely to say the least), this will be a major name to watch this summer.
The club's official website broke the news today that midfielder Jacob Mellis has extended his stay at Stamford Bridge. The 20 year old made his first team debut in the Champions League earlier this season, and will now be with the club until 2013. Mellis spent the first few months of the season on loan at Southampton, and rumor has it that he'll likely be heading out to Barnsley shortly. Mellis has a good chance at being on the bench for this weekends FA Cup tie with Everton before departing, so let's hope for a comfortable win and a runout for the young man before he departs.