Transfer Speculation: Robert Green (West Ham) to Chelsea

The Daily Express is reporting that Carlo Ancelotti is ready to replace Petr Cech, originally signed for the club by Claudio Ranieri - five managers ago. Cech has looked poor coming for crosses this season and, to be fair, he hasn't been on top of his game for some time now.

But it's a bit simplistic to suggest that Cech's skull fracture is behind his current dip in form because he remains brave and comes out at opposition forwards feet - which was how he was injured by Stephen Hunt. Cech and Chelsea are struggling to cope with set-pieces and coming through a crowded box to punch the ball is a skill that most modern goalkeepers lack. There is also something wrong at centre-back if Cech feels he needs to make so many dashes outside his six yard box.

But if Cech has lost his manager's confidence (there are no supporting quotes that suggest this) then January would be a time to rectify the situation. Chelsea are still facing a transfer ban, Hilario is simply not up to the job and although Ross Turnbull could be a long-term replacement the goals he conceded against Apoel Nicosia may count against him in the short-term.

Although this is not the first rumour about Rob Green this winter, in a World Cup year surely Green would not contemplate the move unless he was guaranteed a run in the first team. Green missed out on the last World Cup through a late injury and is 30 in January so this could be his last shot at a World Cup.

As to West Ham, there are also rumours that Aston Villa and Sunderland are interested - with Villa prepared to offer Brad Friedel as a cheap replacement; which would sound like a good deal if Gianfranco Zola needs some cash to make a deal or two. Alternatively Ben Foster at Manchester United will probably be available on loan and David James may have to be sold by Portsmouth to reduce their wage bill. If Green were to go then a choice between the other two English goalkeepers likely to travel to South Africa or the consistent American may soften the blow - but only if the money brought in is used to strengthen the team.

Probability: 2/5