On Loan Until the End of the Season

By 40 Years A Blue
January 4 2006

Chelsea have exclusively revealed on Chelsea TV this evening that they have signed Maniche on loan until the end of the season.

Maniche joins Chelsea just as Essien could be ruled out for up to eight weeks, missing the African Cup of Nations in the process.

You can expect Maniche to make his debut on Saturday when the Champions entertain Huddersfield Town in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. Rumours are getting stronger that Frank, JT, Makelele and Cech will be rested for the game. Jose has already stated that Johnson and Ferreira will start.

Maniche comes from Dynamo Moscow and has played under Jose at Benfica and Porto. Maniche played against the Blues in last season's Champions League campaign.

If the transfer becomes permanent then Chelsea will have to pay £5m.

40 YEARS A BLUE!