Anelka hints at new Blues deal

Striker Nicolas Anelka has given the broadest hint yet that he is ready to pledge his future to Chelsea.

Chelsea are understood to have re-opened talks with the France international striker over a contract extension that would see him remain at Stamford Bridge until 2013. Discussions with Anelka's representatives had originally stalled, allegedly over his desire for a £40,000-a-week pay increase, but the player is on the brink signing a new deal.

"I feel at home here at Chelsea," said Anelka. "I'm happy in my life and I will be more happy at the end of the season if we win the Premier League."

His original demands would have taken his weekly earnings to £120,000 and with Chelsea looking to reduce their wage bill, it was feared Anelka would quit the club.

The striker's current deal expires in 2012 but there are signs the two parties are close to an agreement with Anelka insisting that he has no reason to move on.

The former Real Madrid striker said: "I said when I first signed that I wanted a big club and I've found a big club, so now I don't need to move anywhere else.

"I am very glad to be here. I've been at big clubs before with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool, but between the ages of 25 and 30 you want to be able to find a real home for yourself.

"It came at 28 for me, when I signed here, so I am glad - it has been a long career, playing for a lot of clubs, but I like the fact that I'm playing now in one of the biggest clubs in the world, I don't need to move anywhere."