Chelsea Transfer News: Scott Parker Targeted as Fill-in for Michael Essien

Chelsea FC have, so far, been surprisingly quiet in the transfer market, with Andre Villas-Boas yet to splash owner Roman Abramovich's cash.

Indeed, the new manager's first signing could be the loan acquisition of a former player, Scott Parker, according to The Guardian.

Last year's Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year does not want to waste a season languishing in the Coca-Cola Championship due to his international aspirations.

When you also take into account West Ham's desire to reduce their wage bill and the recent signing of midfield dynamo Kevin Nolan, it seems more likely than ever that Parker will leave.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with permanent deals for the Hammers' key man, but an agreement has not been reached.

Parker used to ply his trade at Stamford Bridge, and has forged close friendships with Frank Lampard and John Terry.

A loan move could be the cheapest solution to Michael Essien's crushing knee injury, as Parker would need no time to adapt.

He is in the best form of his life and offers the dynamism and heart in the center of the park that Chelsea lacked last season.

Chelsea's interest in Parker does not mean that they have given up hope on signing Luka Modric or Javier Pastore, as both would be deployed in much more offensive midfield roles.

In fact, this indicates that Chelsea plan to spend big, as they are not prepared to waste money on a player that will only become redundant once Essien returns.

However, there is also a rumor that Chelsea are considering a £15 million bid for Roma's holding midfielder, Daniele De Rossi, according to Caught Offside.

If Chelsea captain Terry has any influence, then Parker will be preferred, and this would clearly be the sensible business decision.

This would also be a good move for West Ham, as they can welcome Parker back to the fold if they win promotion after one season.

In other Chelsea news, The Guardian says Villas-Boas looks set to hijack Arsenal's attempt to sign Gary Cahill on the back of John Terry's advice.