Forssell set for Birmingham loan

Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri today revealed that Finnish striker Mikael Forssell had joined Birmingham City on a four month loan deal.

There was speculation that Forssell would return to German Bundesliga club Borussia Moenchengladbach where he had spent last season on loan but Ranieri confirmed today that he would instead join Chelsea's Premiership rivals Birmingham.

"It will be good for him," said Ranieri. "And good for me because I can watch him at any time."

Forssell scored seven goals in 16 matches for the German club last season.

Meanwhile, Hernan Crespo today said his hunger for silverware convinced him to sign for Chelsea.

"I've come here to win things. I am very happy to be at Chelsea," said the Argentina striker.

Ranieri plans to build his team around Crespo and Juan Sebastian Veron, who have known each other for almost a decade, playing together for Argentina Under-21s and Parma before graduating to full international honours.

The Chelsea manager confirmed that Crespo may be in his team to play Blackburn at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

"He could be involved but I will check on him tomorrow," he said.

"He is in good condition but needs a little more sharpness."

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