BLUES FAIL TO CLINCH BEN HAIM DEALChelsea have failed in a surprise bid to bring Bolton defender Tal Bel Haim to Stamford Bridge.
The Israel defender, who is out of contract in the summer, has long been linked with a move to the Blues with Jose Mourinho a known admirer.
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is prepared to sell Ben Haim if a suitable deal could be struck, but following talks between the two clubs, Chelsea have announced that they won't be signing him now.
A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it has been in discussions with Bolton Wanderers for the transfer of Tal Ben Haim in the January transfer window.
"These discussions have been unsuccessful and Ben Haim will not be joining Chelsea FC in January."
Mourinho had made no secret of his wish to strengthen Chelsea's central defence, which has been left badly exposed by the injury suffered by John Terry and the summer sales of William Gallas and Robert Huth.