England

Manchester City Preparing Third Bid For John Terry Despite Chelsea Rebuff

Manchester City don't seem inclined to give up pursuing what many - not least Chelsea - regard as an impossible dream...

Jul 3, 2009 10:58:41 PM

EPL: John Terry, Chelsea - Wigan Athletic (PA)

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EPL: John Terry, Chelsea - Wigan Athletic (PA)

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Ambitious Manchester City may be in the running for an award for sheer persistence after reports emerged that they are preparing a third bid to persuade Chelsea and England skipper John Terry to head north to Eastlands - even though the Blues categorically ruled out any deal earlier on Friday.

Chelsea issued a statement insisting that they had "completely rejected an offer from Manchester City for John Terry", stressing that, "it was made clear to City, for the second time following an approach last season, that we would not entertain any conversation on the subject."

Moreover, Terry has himself recently reiterated his commitment to the Stamford Bridge club.

Nevertheless, the Telegraph has revealed that, undeterred, "City sources" say their club have received sufficient encouragement that Terry may yet be lured away from Stamford Bridge to test Chelsea’s resolve once more.

Quite what that encouragement might be is unclear, but it would be a seismic shock if City - whose second bid for Terry was valued at £30 million, according to the Telegraph - succeeded in prising the Blues' skipper away from west London.

It may take a further, unequivocal statement of loyalty to Chelsea from Terry himself to quell all speculation and convince City that this one won't come to fruition.

Graham Lister, Goal.com