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Chelsea transfer news: Brad Friedel would only be third choice as Blues step up search for Petr Cech replacement

Friedel would fill a similar role to Mark Schwarzer, if he arrived at the club

Simon Johnson
Tuesday 03 March 2015 11:18 GMT
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Chelsea have begun the search for Petr Cech's replacement with the Czech international expected to leave the club in the summer, report the Evening Standard.

Cech has been at Stamford Bridge since joining from Rennes for £7million in 2004, but lost his position as No 1 to Thibaut Courtois this summer.

The 32-year-old has still made 14 appearances this term, including starting the Capital One Cup Final victory over Tottenham ahead of Courtois on Sunday.

While manager Jose Mourinho remains as confident in Cech's abilities as ever, it was also seen as a gesture to the veteran in case it was his last ever chance to play for the club at Wembley.

It was the 12th major honour of his career with the Blues, but he will remain second to Courtois in the pecking order and is set to leave in order to get regular first team football elsewhere.

There will be no shortage of interest in the Czech international, with Arsenal and Liverpool having monitored the situation since last summer, while several clubs abroad are looking at him too.

It is understood Chelsea are looking for a talented keeper to provide firm competition to Courtois as No 2.

Cech, who won the 12th honour of his career, is likely to leave in the summer

They have been linked with Tottenham Brad Friedel, who turns 44 in May and hasn't made a single appearance for the north London club this term. Chelsea had Mark Schwarzer fulfil a similar role earlier this season, but the 42-year-old was allowed to leave Leicester on a permanent basis in January.

While the club want someone with experience, Friedel would be very much third choice and they want a younger man to compete for the spot.

Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Thorgan Hazard hasn't given up on playing for Chelsea in the future.

Eden's younger brother has agreed a permanent £6.5m move from Stamford Bridge having impressed on loan with the Bundesliga outfit.

Thorgan joined from Lens in 2012, but didn't make a single appearance for the Blues over the past three years.

Chelsea did include a buy-back option in the deal and Thorgan said: “I'm glad, because I hope to still play for Chelsea. That remains a goal.”

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