Cech deal signed and sealed

French club Rennes have announced that Czech Republic international goalkeeper Petr Cech will join Chelsea at the end of the current season.

The 21-year-old has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and the move has finally been concluded.

“Petr Cech’s transfer was signed on Monday between Rennes and Chelsea,” said a statement from Rennes.

“The Czech international will leave Brittany at the end of the season.”

Cech, who had been a first choice ‘keeper with Rennes since joining in 2002 from Sparta Prague, has won 15 caps and will be first choice for his country in Euro 2004.

It was recently reported in the press that Chelsea offered up to €13m to secure the signature of Cech on a five-year contract.

Carlo Cudicini has been a popular first-choice wit Chelsea but there has been speculation that he would like to return to Italy at the end of the season.

With Cech unlikely to be happy warming the bench at Stamford Bridge the news that he will join the London club is bound to fuel talk that there is some truth behind the rumours of the Italian’s departure.

Last month Rennes turned down an initial bid from Chelsea for their highly-rated ‘keeper who had been contracted until 2006 with the Brittany-based outfit.

“I said I was interested while insisting it would depend on Rennes’ attitude,” said Cech at the time.

“But if all this stops now I would be disappointed.”