Chelsea have announced the capture of Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be between £5 million and £6 million.

The 30-year old has been linked with a switch to the Premier League champions all summer as a replacement for the out of contract Joe Cole and will join his new team-mates for pre-season training on July 5. The move brings to an end the Israel international's three year stay on Merseyside, where he grabbed 18 goals in 92 appearances.

Speaking to the Blues' official website, Benayoun said: "I am very excited to come to a club like Chelsea, it is a big club and I think it is a dream for every player. Hopefully we will be successful."

Manager Carlo Ancelotti added: "We are happy to have this new player. Yossi has a lot of quality in midfield and can play in lots of positions. I like his behaviour on the pitch and he will do a great job for us next season."

A spokesman on Liverpool's official website wished Benayoun all the best for the future. They said: "Yossi's departure was agreed between the player and Rafael Benitez a number of weeks ago. Everybody at Liverpool FC wishes him well for the future."


http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/07/02/2006536/official-liverpool-midfielder-yossi-benayoun-joins-chelsea