Chelsea are lining up a bid for Newcastle United defender Davide Santon, according to CalcioMercato. Blues boss Jose Mourinho knows the 22-year-old well from their days together at Inter Milan, where they won the Champions League together in 2010, and wants to be reunited with the left-back. Santon, who can also play on the right if neccessary, is viewed by the "Special One" as the long-term replacement for the veteran Ashley Cole. The Italy international moved to Newcastle in 2011 and has impressed in his 63 appearances for the Magpies, but is only on the fringes of Italy's first-team set-up. His last call-up was back in February this year and a high-profile move to Stamford Bridge could therefore boost his World Cup chances ahead of next summer's tournament in Brazil. A move away from St James' Park may also seem appealing given the North East club's recent plights under manager Alan Pardew, that saw them nearly relegated last season and with just three wins from nine this campaign. Mourinho is looking to put his own unique stamp on the current Chelsea side he inherited from Rafa Benitez, and will seek to strengthen when the January Transfer Window opens in the New Year.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
