Chelsea match Liverpool bid for Johnson

(GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea have launched a bid for Glen Johnson that could scupper the England defender's proposed move to Liverpool.

Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie revealed today that Chelsea have matched Liverpool's bid of £17.5m.

The south coast side had accepted Liverpool's offer and now that Chelsea have matched it, the 24-year-old is free to choose which side he wishes to join.

"The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen," Storrie was quoted as saying.

"The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and what club he prefers, which one is going to pay him more money.

"Glen wants to play regularly in the Champions League, he has got himself back in the England side so I understand that. Sometimes you have to be fair to players."

Johnson was sold by Chelsea to Portsmouth for £4m two years ago after he failed to gain a regular place in the first team.