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Chelsea are preparing a bid for Aston Villa star Christian Benteke as Jose Mourinho seeks a solution to the club's pursuit of a new striker, Goal understands.The returning manager has been thwarted in his attempt to sign Edinson Cavani and has thus far been unable to convince Robert Lewandowski to choose English football over a future move to Bayern Munich.Benteke fits the coach's preferred profile of a physically powerful striker capable of leading the attack alone, and is more readily attainable as a result of Villa's fragile financial state. At 22, the Belgium international is attracted by the prospect of playing Champions League football and competing for the domestic title after a first Premier League season in which he scored 19 times for a club fighting relegation.
With Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis refusing to back down on his demand that Cavani's £54.2 million [€63m] release clause be met in full, the Uruguay international is near to joining Paris Saint-Germain instead after the Ligue 1 outfit's director of footballLeonardo revealed that negotiations are taking place between the clubs. Also, aware that Borussia Dortmund would sell to Chelsea this summer rather than see Lewandowski join Bayern in a year's time, Mourinho has attempted to persuade the Pole to join him at Stamford Bridge - so far without success. Jurgen Klopp, the Dortmund coach, hasconfirmed that a move to their Bundesliga rivals is likely.Mourinho identified a striker as one of three key positions to reinforce before he accepted Roman Abramovich's invitation to return as Chelsea manager after five seasons managing Inter and Real Madrid. The Russian billionaire is on board with Mourinho's intention to sell record signing Fernando Torres after two-and-a-half campaigns under four different coaches.January acquisition Demba Ba is also surplus to requirements in Mourinho's preferred squad make-up and has been permitted to seek an immediate transfer out of Chelsea. There is, however, room on the Portuguese's playing staff for Romelu Lukaku after the younger Belgian scored 17 goals in 35 Premier League appearances on loan at West Brom. Lukaku will be given an opportunity to prove himself as Chelsea's back-up striker in the belief that the 20-year-old has the fundamentals to improve further in the position.Chelsea also retain an interest in Mario Gomez, who has been allowed to secure new employers by Bayern after losing a guaranteed starting berth to Mario Mandzukic during their treble-winning campaign. One of German football's best paid players, Gomez is looking to sustain an after-tax salary of £5.1m [€6m], while Bayern are asking for a significant transfer fee amidst competing interest from Fiorentina.Goal revealed last month that both Tottenham and Liverpool have also monitored the Belgian's situation this summer.

Tottenham have signed Brazil midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for a fee believed to be just under £17m.
Paulinho has become Andre Villas-Boas' first summer recruit as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of a push for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.The player revealed during the Confederations Cup tournament in his native country that a bid from Spurs to seal his signature had been lodged and that north London was his most likely destination.Inter Milan and Real Madrid were also believed to be interested in a move for the former Bragantino midfielder, who scored twice during the tournament, following on from his equalising goal in Brazil's 2-2 draw with England last month."I am very happy and excited to have joined Spurs," said Paulinho. "It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham."
  Paulinho confirmed earlier this week that he had no regrets about his decision to move to White Hart Lane, telling ESPN Brasil: "They (Tottenham) made an offer to my agent and to Corinthians, I sat down, analysed the proposal and chose Tottenham. We think it was the best path, the best option."I am moving from one big club to Tottenham, another club in a big league. I am sure I will perform my job to the best of my ability. I don't regret and I won't regret [this decision]."His compatriot, and new team-mate Sandro, is confident that Paulinho has the ability to make an impact in the Premier League.Sandro told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here."This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions."Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger."I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'. I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."Paulinho has been likened to Frank Lampard, and he acknowledged he is happy to take on board any comparisons with the veteran Chelsea and England midfielder."This comparison is a responsibility that I will take," said Paulinho. "I will not run away from it."Lampard is a great player, not only for Chelsea but in world football."I intend to follow in his footsteps as he is a very professional guy. David Luiz always speaks of him on international duty."I've always looked at what Lampard does and to me he is a huge phenomenon. The way he hits the ball, what positions he takes up, he really is incredible."

The American, 28, arrived at Villa Park in 2008 from Chivas and has recently established himself as the Villans' first-choice - earning an extension to his deal.Guzan told the club's official website: "This is just the start now, the start of hard work. We have to build on last year and go forward and that is very much the collective mindset at the club."We grew together as a team last season and now it's time to kick on again. We'll welcome the new guys with open arms and allow them to join this special family that we've started to create from last season. It's an exciting time for the club for sure."When you bring in new players you have fresh bodies, fresh blood, fresh excitement and you need that to prevent things from becoming stale and guys getting complacent. You want competition for places, you want guys pushing each other and helping each other. When you bring in new faces it lifts everybody.

"For me, it's an honour and a privilege to play for Aston Villa Football Club and to commit my future long-term. I'm overjoyed by it."To have this opportunity to commit my future, with the plans and the future being what they are going forward, it's tremendously exciting and I know that's not just for me but for everybody, including the fans."This is what Aston Villa Football Club is all about, we're a very connected and very committed group and we want to strive to be the best we can possibly be going forward. What we're building here as a club, what the manager is building could be very special."From a personal standpoint, especially after last season playing consistently through virtually the entire season, hopefully now I'm coming in to some good years ahead and to be able to do that at Villa is exciting. It's going to be good times ahead."It's always nice when you're wanted by a club. I've had some good years here at Aston Villa and to be able to commit my future just puts a smile on my face. I'm looking forward to the future and to the challenge ahead."Villa manager Paul Lambert added: "Brad has been exceptional for the club, really fantastic on and off the pitch."He's always bubbly around the place and a really solid character. He's a good guy as well which is really important. Overall, he's a credit to the club."

According to new reports in Spain, Gonzalo Higuain’s move to Arsenal, is now in the balance as Real Madrid are demanding more than the £23 million transfer fee that the Gunners agreed with them for the striker.Madrid-based newspaper Marca and the Guardian’s Sid Lowe, have revealed that the La Liga side now want a fee around £25million and £30million.
Juventus and Napoli were also interested in the former River Plate man, but only Arsene Wenger is still in the race to sign him.The Argentine’s father and agent, Jorge Higuain, had earlier told Fox Sports Latin America this week, that a final resolution was close.“We managed to get permission from Real Madrid to negotiate face to face with Arsenal,” he said. “Fortunately, I will soon be able to watch my son play in the Premier League.”The 25-year-old was expected to complete his move this weekend, but it seems the saga is not over just yet.Lowe said: ”Madrid are now digging their heels in, regarding Higuaín. They want a bigger fee. The smart money’s still on it happening.”