Chelsea FC vs Genk preview - Been opens door to Chelsea
Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by PA
Genk boss Mario Been has admitted he would sell star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to Chelsea for the right price.
De Bruyne has long been linked with the Blues and revealed during the transfer window that the two clubs were in talks over his signature.
The 20-year-old ended up staying in Belgium, unlike team-mate Thibaut Courtois, who did move to Chelsea before being loaned out to Atletico Madrid.
De Bruyne will have a chance to impress Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas at close quarters during Wednesday night's Champions League Group E game at Stamford Bridge and the return match two weeks later.
Been, who succeeded Frank Vercauteren as Genk's head coach at the end of August, said: "I know that Kevin is a really great player and that Chelsea already talked about him.
"Chelsea look and want to buy all the big talents so, for me, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kevin went to Chelsea. Everyone's got his price."
Captain Daniel Tozser added of his team-mate: "I think every game is a chance for him to show himself.
"Of course, he's a great talent. It's not surprising that Chelsea watched him.
"I hope personally he will show Chelsea tomorrow that they made a mistake in that he stayed with us."
Been added, jokingly: "I hope he makes five goals.
"I think he will be sold then."
Genk arrived at Stamford Bridge ravaged by injuries, particularly in defence.
"It's a pity we have this bad luck," said midfielder Tozser, who insisted the visitors were confident of shocking their opponents tomorrow.
"If not then we would not go out to the pitch," he said.
"We will do everything to make it as difficult for them as possible."
Villas-Boas is likely to rest several first-team stars, possibly even captain John Terry and vice-captain Frank Lampard.
He said: "The most important thing for us is that we are aware of the amount of talent that we have at our disposal.
"Any XI that we put across is a very, very strong XI.
"This puts us in a position of comfort to have always a good rest.
"There are situations that might happen regarding the Queens Park Rangers game."
Ramires will definitely be missing, with the midfielder rated 50-50 for Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to QPR.
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