Chelsea set to make shock swoop for Boro's Turnbull

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a shock swoop for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who is available on a free transfer.

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Ross Turnbull: Back in the Premier League

Turnbull rejected an offer of a new deal at 'Boro and is set to sign alongside Russian star Yuri Zhirkov and Manchester City's Daniel Sturridge, though a tribunal will need to set the fee for the young City striker after the clubs failed to compromise over the compensation due.

Middlesbrough confirmed Turnbull would be leaving the club last month, with Boro chief executive Keith Lamb claiming the 24-year-old wanted to leave in order to play regular first-team football.

"Ross has written and told us that he's rejected our contract offers and he will be free from the end of June to join whichever club he chooses," Lamb told the club's official website. "We didn't want Ross to leave, we've been negotiating with him and his agent for the last eight months. We felt he had a future at Middlesbrough and we made him a number of offers over the last 12 months.

"They were exceptional offers for a goalkeeper who has played less than 30 games for Middlesbrough's first team. Each one was rejected by Ross and his advisors and consequently he has now informed us that it is his intention to pursue his career elsewhere.

"The reason Ross consistently gave us (for not signing) was that he wanted to play regular first-team football.

"I assume Ross will be going to a club where he will get regular first-team football. But we don't know who that club will be, time alone will tell. We wish him well and hope it works out for him."

If Turnbull does sign for Chelsea he will play as reserve to established number one Petr Cech, while the future of Portuguese keeper Henrique Hilario now looks unsure.