The Blues do not want to sell Bertrand.
Liverpool have had a transfer inquiry for Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand knocked back by the west London club who do not want to sell the 23-year-old, reports the Guardian.
Bertrand has played as understudy to Ashley Cole at the Blues since 2010, signing for the club from Gillingham in 2005 but going on loan spells to Bournemouth, Oldham Athletic, Norwich City, Reading and Nottingham Forest before settling three years ago.
Cole has recently signed a new one-year extension at Stamford Bridge and the young full-back will once again act as second choice to the veteran defender.
The Reds have shown an interest in Bertrand but Chelsea do not want to sell and the Englishman has a contract with the club until 2016.
Returning manager Jose Mourinho has spoken to Bertrand about the role the full-back will play at the Blues in 2013/14 and the defender is keen to put in the work to become first choice at the Bridge.
“I want to be Chelsea’s No.1 left-back, and when that time comes it will happen,” the England international was quoted in the Guardian.
“All I can do is be ready and keep playing, keep biding my time. I’m thinking of nothing else. I am just focusing on being No.1.”
It’s not as if Bertrand has been completely unused at the west London side, playing 54 games to date in all competitions – including starting the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
However, with international ambitions (Bertrand has earned two caps to date) and at 23 can no longer be thought of as a promising youngster, the left-back will want more first team opportunities if he is to stay.
COMMENTS