Football: Harford heading for Chelsea

CHELSEA last night turned to Mick Harford, the much-travelled Luton Town and former England striker, to fill the vacancy in their forward line, writes Rupert Metcalf.

If the 33-year-old former Lincoln, Newcastle, Bristol City, Birmingham and Derby forward agrees personal terms at Stamford Bridge today, he will complete a pounds 300,000 transfer to end his second spell at Kenilworth Road. However, Chelsea, who are seeking a replacement for Kerry Dixon, sold to Southampton for pounds 575,000, will have to see off some competition before they land Harford.

'Three Premier League clubs have shown firm interest in Mick, and he has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League,' David Kohler, Luton's managing director, said. His club, with pressing financial problems, are in no position to refuse any reasonable offer.

Chelsea's move for Harford came after they ended their interest in Johnny Ekstrom, IFK Gothenburg's Swedish international striker. Meanwhile, excessive wage demands have put paid to Nigel Spackman's chances of a move from Rangers back to Stamford Bridge. Tranmere Rovers have had a pounds 350,000 bid for Spackman rejected by Rangers.

Another Chelsea target, Norwich City's Robert Fleck, may yet start the Premier League season with a new club. 'There has been so much speculation about Fleck since even before the end of last season,' Mike Walker, the Norwich manager, said. 'It has now got to the stage when I feel it is right to get Robert's mind settled with this football club or elsewhere.'

Fleck, 27 today, is demanding a wage package beyond Norwich's reach. The Canaries have already rejected a pounds 2m bid from Chelsea. Tottenham, who have failed to secure Teddy Sheringham from Nottingham Forest for a similar sum, may now be the favourites to sign Fleck.