Anelka: Rooney welcome

NICOLAS ANELKA admits Wayne Rooney would be ‘welcome’ at Chelsea while his Blues team-mate Salomon Kalou voiced his hope the Manchester United striker will stay in the Premier League.

Rooney has expressed a desire to leave United after declining to sign an extension to his contract which is due to expire in 2012.

He could be sold during the January transfer window and Premier League champions Chelsea are among the clubs linked with a bid for the 24-year-old.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has refused to discuss any interest in signing Rooney, but Anelka would be happy to see the England international at Stamford Bridge.

“Rooney is a good player, everybody knows his quality,” said Anelka.

“If he wants to come to Chelsea then he is welcome, but I am not the owner.”

Anelka’s fellow Chelsea forward Kalou, who made his return from injury in the 2-0 Champions League win against Spartak Moscow on Tuesday, hopes Rooney does not opt for a move abroad.

“Wayne is a great player, he has proved that with Manchester United and England,” said Kalou.

“It would be good to have Wayne in the Premier League.

“It was good to be back to fitness and to help bring the victory.

“I’m pleased to be back in the team and to put in a good performance.”