Mourinho ready to splash the cash

JOSE Mourinho might be tempted into the transfer market next month after admitting he is short of cover in central defence, even as UEFA considers curtailing their spending power.

With John Terry missing due to a recurring back problem and Khaled Boulahrouz hauled off as the frantic search for a winner began in yesterday’s clash with Everton, Chelsea ended up with Didier Drogba alongside Ricardo Carvalho at centre-half during the last minutes of the 3-2 win at Goodison Park.

Given Carvalho is not fully fit himself, and is just one booking away from a one-match ban, it is an odd position for Mourinho to be in — particularly following the decision to let William Gallas join Arsenal in the deal which saw Ashley Cole move in the other direction.