Chelsea RELEASE long-serving keeper on free transfer with shock move to Israel on the cards
CHELSEA have freed long-serving keeper Nathan Baxter — with Bolton and clubs in Israel on his trail.
Baxter, 24, returned from a spell at Hull with an injury and is finally leaving Stamford Bridge permanently.
Trotters are looking at Baxter after hitting snags with moves for Brighton’s James Beadle and Accrington Stanley’s Toby Savin.
Beadle is also wanted by Oxford on loan while Stanley want a fee for Savin and snubbed an attempt to take him for nothing.
Wolves’ reserve keeper Louie Moulden is wanted on loan by Accrington.
Meanwhile, the Blues are desperate to add a new No1.
But that won’t be Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, after they reportedly pulled out of the race to sign the £50million star, according to the Evening Standard.
They will now switch their attention to a shortlist of three other stars.
Tottenham-linked Brentford goalie David Raya is one name on the shortlist.
He is then accompanied by Borussia Dortmund‘s Gregor Kobel and Valencia‘s Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Mamardashvili is said to be their second choice target.
Chelsea did also hold an interest in Mike Maignan but were unwilling to match AC Milan‘s £80m asking price.
Another goalkeeper who could be leaving West London is Edouard Mendy.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
The Senegal star has fallen behind Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order.
According to reports in France, Mendy is being tracked by Nice and Monaco.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli are also said to be in contact with his agent.