Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has moved to increase his defensive
options by agreeing a fee with Hamburg for defender Khalid
Boulahrouz.
The Blues chief has had a frustrating summer on the defensive
front, as William Gallas is hankering after a move away from
Stamford Bridge and Arsenal have refused to budge in their
valuation of Ashley Cole.
The Portuguese seems set to ease his woes a little by swooping for
Dutch international Boulahrouz.
The defender proved a key figure for Hamburg last term, having
joined the German club in the summer of 2004 from RKC Waalwijk, and
he increased his stock at the World Cup finals.
It could well have been his no-nonsense displays this summer which
persuaded Mourinho to make his move, as the two clubs have
concurred on a fee.
Boulahrouz will miss Hamburg's trip to Energie Cottbus on Saturday,
as he has been given permission to head to London to discuss
personal terms and have a medical.
The 24-year-old is comfortable in a variety of positions and will
certainly add to Mourinho's options, provided he concurs on a deal
and negotiates his way through a medical.
Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke feels Boulahrouz will be a
useful addition to the Stamford Bridge ranks and also confirmed
they are still looking to recruit ahead of the transfer
deadline.
"He is a good competitive player and will be a good addition to our
squad," Clarke told Chelsea T.
"He can play centre back or either full back. I think he is
right-footed and it is important to have one or two players around
the squad who can play in a number of different positions.
"Until the end of August we will be looking for good players.
"If Boulahrouz is the only one we can add to the squad we will be
happy with that.
"If we can get someone else, we will get someone else."
