TRANSFER NEWS: Chelsea Launch £12m Bid For United Target Jack Rodwell

Chelsea are to rival Manchester United for the signing of Everton’s Jack Rodwell next month, according to the Daily Mail.

Andre Villas-Boas will continue his overhaul of the Chelsea squad with an emphasis on youth and the Daily Mail are claiming that Rodwell is the Blues priority signing this coming January.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a known admirer of the 20-year-old’s and has made regular checks to David Moyes over his progress. However, Chelsea are now heading the race for the £20m-rated midfielder and are believed to be readying an opening bid of £12m.

Rodwell has been sidelined for much of the season with injury and is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain. The latest injury is not thought to be a serious one so will not stop Chelsea from making their move when the window opens in 12 days time.

It is reported that Villas-Boas has the backing of owner Roman Abramovich to inject fresh blood into the ageing Chelsea squad, with Rodwell seen as a long-term replacement for 33-year-old Frank Lampard.

However, it’s unlikely United will let the youngster go to Stamford Bridge without a fight and Fergie will do all he can to ensure he doesn’t miss out on one of his long-term targets. With several midfielders out through injury, this could be the right time for Ferguson to finally make his move for the England ace.