Juventus enter talks over Mutu

Chelsea are ready to sell Adrian Mutu - with Juventus in discussions about taking the Romanian back to Serie A.

Mutu failed to deliver the goals his early displays promised after his £12m arrival from Parma, and now he will be squeezed out. The club's new coach Jose Mourinho, wants to make way for new blood and Mutu will be sacrificed, with Juve interested in taking him either on loan or for a reasonable fee.

Mutu's form dipped so badly that he may take the chance to restore his confidence in Italy. Mourinho wants a quick decision as he also has interest in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen and has to decide who to retain.

The Portuguese coach also has Hernan Crespo available to him but is being urged to hold on to the Argentinian after a poor first season.

Chelsea are prepared to shed two of their current strikers to streamline the squad and make room for the planned-for signing of Wayne Rooney.

Everton's chief executive Trevor Birch said Sunday that the club will offer the 18-year-old a new deal to try to keep him.