Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Barton, Modric, Pato and Romeu in Today’s Press

All of the latest transfer news from Chelsea. Andre Villas-Boas is said to be ready to move into the transfer market with a bid for Newcastle outcast Joey Barton. Chelsea are also said to be ready to increase their offer for Luka Modric and will offer Milan a part exchange plus money deal to sign Pato this summer. It has also been reported that Chelsea has completed the signing of Oriol Romeu.

Chelsea are said to be the latest club to declare a firm interest in signing Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton. It has been a relatively quiet transfer window for the west London club thus far but new boss Andre Villas-Boas is ready to enter the transfer market.

Chelsea are said to be ready to organise talks between themselves and Barton's representatives in the coming days and will look to tie up a deal before interest from Arsenal and Manchester United becomes more concrete. A move to a team in the Champions League is said to interest Barton and the club are looking for a more combative midfielder after losing Michael Essien to injury. It has been reported in the English press that two Premier League clubs, playing the Champions League next season, are set to declare a firm interest in Barton and Chelsea are now said to be leading the race to sign the controversial midfielder.

The Daily Mirror has reported that Chelsea is ready to step up their efforts to sign Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric. The Croatian midfielder has spoken of his desire to join Chelsea but thus far the two London clubs have not been able to agree a fee. However, Chelsea now believe that the White Hart Lane are softening their stance on Modric and believe a £30m offer will be enough to tempt Tottenham into selling.

Football website Caught Offside has reported that Chelsea is now ready to offer Salomon Kalou or Nicolas Anelka plus £20m to sign Brazilian wonder kid Pato. Andre Villas-Boas has highlighted Pato as the man to partner Fernando Torres next season and sees the AC Milan striker as the perfect player to help Torres rediscover his goal scoring touch.

Roman Abramovich is also said to be a keen admirer of the player and will allow Villas-Boas to pull out the stops to tempt Pato the Premier League. Ac Milan are said to be considering selling the player so they can raise funds to bring Kaka back to the San Siro.

The Daily Mail has reported this morning that Chelsea has confirmed the signing of Barcelona youngster Oriol Romeu. The Spanish midfielder is currently away at the under 20 World Cup and will join up with his new team mates when Spain has completed their campaign.

'Chelsea is a great option for me. Leaving Barca hurts, but you have to take your chances," Romeu said. Chelsea are believed to have paid £5m up front for the player with the transfer fee rising to around £8.7m with add ons and future clauses.