LONDON — Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that his side is interested in signing former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. Asked if Chelsea had an interest in the Spain international, Mourinho told reporters in London: “We have some. I have (an) interest in analyzing the situation.” Fabregas, 27, returned to Barcelona, his formative club, from Arsenal in August 2011 and has won five trophies over the past three seasons at Camp Nou. However, despite making more starts than any other Barcelona midfielder last season, he has been linked with a return to England, and Mourinho said that Chelsea was keeping a close eye on the situation. “I think it looks like he's really interested in leaving Barcelona, and is very, very interested in coming back to England,” said the Portuguese, who is working as an analyst for Yahoo! during the World Cup. “This I think is clear. After that it's not something for us, or another team, for now. It's not for now, or tomorrow, or for before the World Cup. “There is a process where he wants to leave, he wants to come to England because it's the country where he wants to be, where he prefers to play. We are interested in monitoring the situation.” Fabregas left Barcelona's academy to join Arsenal at the age of 16 in 2003 and quickly became the youngest player and goal-scorer in the North London club's history. He won the FA Cup in 2005 and was named captain in November 2008, but returned to Barcelona three years ago in a deal reportedly worth an initial fee of £25.4 million ($42.6 million). The BBC reported Thursday that Arsenal has informed Barcelona that it has decided not to activate a buy-back option in Fabregas' contract. Mourinho's remarks come after Fabregas's club-mate and international colleague Gerard Pique was caught on camera apparently letting slip that the attacking midfielder had agreed to leave Barcelona. A transfer of Fabregas will be “a pity” for his current club, his Barcelona and Spain teammate Pedro Rodriguez said. “I've not talked with Cesc as yet. He's a very good player for us. If he leaves it would be a shame for Barca,” Pedro said as Spain prepared for a World Cup warm-up friendly in the US capital against El Salvador. Deila is Celtic coach In Glasgow, Norwegian Ronny Deila has been appointed manager of Scottish champion Celtic on a 12-month rolling contract, the club announced Friday. The 38-year-old former defender takes over from Neil Lennon, who left the Scottish champions two weeks ago after four years in charge. “I will treasure this opportunity and will give everything I have to achieve success for Celtic and our wonderful fans,” said Deila, who guided Stromsgodset to their first title in 43 years last season and won the Norwegian Cup in 2010. “Celtic is in great shape and the club has enjoyed real success in recent years due to the hard work of Neil and his team. “I want to carry on this work and continue to bring happy times to Celtic. I can't wait to get started on this journey.” — Agencies
