Chelsea 'close to signing Anelka'

CHELSEA have opened talks with Bolton Wanderers over the possible transfer of Nicholas Anelka and are hopeful of concluding a deal for the French striker by the end of next week.

The Times reported on Tuesday the London side are eager to bring in a top-level scorer to cover for the absence of Didier Drogba, who will play for the Ivory Coast in the African Cup Of Nations later this month.

According to The Times, the club's wealthy Russian owner Roman Abramovich has told manager Avram Grant that the money will be available to strength the squad with the 28-year-old Anelka.

The newspaper said Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had been in contact with Bolton chairman Phil Gartside and that discussions around a £10 million price tag ($A22.7 million) were continuing as the January transfer window opened.

Manchester United have also been linked with Anelka, but manager Sir Alex Ferfuson is believed to be more interested in acquiring the services of Tottenham's free-scoring Bulgaria forward Dimitar Berbatov.

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