Galatasaray plan audacious bid for Chelsea’s former England captain

Chelsea’s policy of only offering one-year contracts to players over the age of 30 could spell the end of captain John Terry’s 18-year stay in west London.

The former England skipper is thought to be high on a list of targets drawn up by Galatasaray’s former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, as the Italian prepares to add some defensive steel to the Turkish champions.

Terry has been restored to the heart of the Blues’ defence since Jose Mourinho returned to manage the club, after finding himself in and out of the team under interim boss Rafa Benitez in the second half of last term.

Chelsea – who are joint-second favourites to win the Premier League at odds of 7/2 and 8/15 to win a major trophy this season – are set for another summer of contract negotiations, as the 12-month deals handed out to Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole recently will run out next June.

Galatasaray have pledged to release plenty of funds for Mancini to improve the team and Terry – who would be available for free – could expect to pick up a salary comparable to the £150,000 he currently banks every week at Stamford Bridge.

A move to Istanbul would also reunite the Barking-born stopper with former Blues hitman Didier Drogba, who moved to Gala earlier this year.

Mourinho will be keen to keep his captain in London for at least another season, but the chance to sign a lucrative, long-term deal in Turkey could turn Terry’s head and swing the balance in Mancini’s favour.

The 32-year-old would also be practically guaranteed Champions League football at the Turk Telekom Arena, as Galatasaray’s closest rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas are banned from competing in Europe this season and in 2014/15.