Sampdoria closing in on loan deal for striker Shevchenko
Sunday, 13 Jul 2008 16:05
Andriy Shevchenko cost Chelsea £30 million in 2006, a joint Premier League record.
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is set to join Sampdoria on a season-long loan, according to the Italian club.
Shevchenko is set to return to Italy after two below-par seasons at the Blues since signing for a club record £30 million.
The 31-year-old has also been linked with a move to former club AC Milan.
Beppe Marotta, Sampdoria's general manager, claims Shevchenko will join if they can reach an agreement over his wages.
"We have a way to resolve our problems up front with a figure able to stir up the crowd as well as put the ball in the back of the net," Marotta told Secolo XIX newspaper.
"Sheva would be happy to join us, but there are problems around his wages.
"Many top class players like Sampdoria and a deal is entirely plausible, so never say never."
Antonio Cassano joined Sampdoria in a similar arrangement from Real Madrid last summer and scored ten goals in 22 games.
Marotta added: "Let's just say they are in the same situation as Sheva. The Cassano move is a difficult thing to replicate, but never say never."
Shevchenko scored nine goals last season for Chelsea but made just eight appearances in 2008 due to injury.
The ex-Dynamo Kiev striker bagged just four league goals in the 2006/07 season after being signed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.