CHELSEA’S

bid to sign West Ham’s Andy Carroll for £20million fell through last night after the striker was ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury. Chelsea may now seek an alternative spearhead, having been linked with Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke and Peter Crouch of Stoke City. Roma’s Edin Dzeko — formerly of Manchester City — is also a possible target. Meanwhile, FIFA have a taken a step closer to sanctioning Chelsea after an investigation accused the club of breaking the rules when signing 25 foreign players under the age of 18. FIFA’s disciplinary committee are now handling the matter with the club facing the prospect of a transfer ban.