Smertin on his way to The Valley

Don't look at the club's official web site for this information, just go to the website of the BBC's Russian Service. Alexi Smertin is waiting to secure a loan switch to The Valley. With Mourinho expected to strengthen his midfield area, he could again be on the periphery at Chelsea.

The 30-year old Russian international was originally at Bordeaux. He then joined the Russian owned side two years ago and was immediately sent to Portsea Island to play for Pompey. Portsmouth would have had him back, but he wanted to stay in the world city that is the capital that is London (and which all Londoners are so proud of at the moment). He said, 'There were other offers, but I wanted to stay in the capital. My family is settled here and it is a fantastic city.'

Curbs has better use him as Mourinho has told him that Chelsea have a long season in front of them and if anything goes wrong at Charlton he can rejoin the Blues.