Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas plans to launch a bid for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell next month. The Daily Mail says Villas-Boas has identified Rodwell as the first major brick in rebuilding his Chelsea team and is confident he will land the Everton midfielder next month.

While Everton are sure to demand around £20million for a player who recently made his breakthrough on the international stage, Chelsea are expected to start the bidding nearer £12m.

Sources at Goodison Park already believe Rodwell is Stamford Bridge-bound and question whether he will appear in an Everton shirt again, given his latest injury setback.