Flushed with his successful run of results since he took over at Chelsea, Avram Grant will now attempt to prove he can hack it in the transfer market. Top target when the January window opens will be the £15 million-rated Nicolas Anelka, whose arrival will compensate for the absence of Didier Drogba through injury and the African Cup of Nations, and the likely departure of the Ivory Coast striker next summer.
Anelka has indicated he is getting restless at Bolton and is looking for a move to a club that can fulfil his ambitions. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hedging his bets because of the player's price.