Chelsea Target Swans Star

If you are in Swansea over the course of the next few days, keep an eye out for Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon having 'private' meetings with a Swans star after the Daily Mirror today reported that the said person was being lined up to replace their existing talent.

Stamford the Lion Mascot has been 'kidnapped' from the home of the Premiership champions. The incident was captured on CCTV at Stamford Bridge on July 23 but as yet no-one has come forward to claim responsibility.

They put out an official appeal for his return yesterday and last night a club insider said: "We'd like anyone with information about what happened to Stamford to get in touch with us.

"This isn't the first time he's gone missing. A few years ago, someone stole him and we thought we'd never see him again.

"But after we made appeals, he was brought back to the club and left at the main gates. We just hope the same thing happens again."

The Mirror reports that should Chelsea not get the safe return of Stamford in time for the Premiership kick off on August 13 then they will be looking to use some of Roman Abramovich's millions to recruit a replacement with Motherwell's Claret the Bear and Swansea's own Cyril the Swan leading the running.

Cyril as we are aware has had run ins with the authorities in the past while Claret the Bear may be looking for an escape route after getting into trouble with the police at the weekend for goading Celtic fans.

Claret held up a sign saying, "McDonald's - two for the price of one" at the away support, a reference to Motherwell star Scott McDonald's goals that robbed Celtic of the league title last year - handing it to Rangers.

I guess there is the chance that Kenny Jackett would be prepared to let Cyril go and a swap deal which could see Joe Cole and Hernan Crespo arrive at White Rock is a possibility

Photo: Action Images

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