Chelsea line up bid for Emile Heskey

Hard going: Emile Heskey has struggled to make an impact with Aston Villa this season
11 April 2012

Chelsea's senior players will urge coach Carlo Ancelotti to sign Emile Heskey from Aston Villa in January — if the club's transfer ban gets overturned.

It is understood key members of the squad are huge admirers of the England striker who they believe would be invaluable when Chelsea lose Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba to the African Nations' Cup in January.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba, who has been in awesome form so far this season for the Blues with seven goals, will be particularly missed as he has played a big role in making Ancelotti's tactics work by leading the line with such force.

The Chelsea players see Heskey's physical strength providing ideal cover while Drogba is away from Stamford Bridge and believe he will improve competition for places up front.

Heskey's future is still uncertain despite his statement last week denying he wants to quit Martin O'Neill's side in the January transfer window. The 31-year-old has started just one League game for Villa this season and is worried about his England future.

Chelsea's ability to get Heskey depends on whether they are successful in overturning FIFA's decision to ban them from signing players until January 2011.

They were punished after being found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens to join them in 2007. Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and await a decision before Christmas.

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