Angry Chelsea list Dalla Bona

The 21-year-old midfielder's future has been in doubt for some time, after numerous offers of a new contract had been shunned by the talented Italian.

However, The Blues move to slap the youngster has come as a shock to many, as they had seemed determined to hang on to Dalla Bona.

Chelsea confirmed the news in a statement, saying:

"In view of the fact that Sam Dalla Bona has refused to sign an extension to his current contract, stating that he wants to be near his family in Italy, he has now played his last game for Chelsea and has officially been placed on the transfer list with immediate effect.

"One Italian club is interested in buying Dalla Bona but they are trying to off-load an over-aged, over-paid player in part exchange. We are not interested in part exchange and will only accept a cash payment. In the event that no offers are made, he will see out his contract in the reserves.

"Chelsea Football Club are somewhat puzzled by Sam's attitude as we agreed a transfer to Venezia last summer, a club that is very near his family home which he has made clear is important to him. So we are at a loss to understand why he turned that down but is willing to go to a club in Milan or Rome, a long distance from his family."

Chelsea are angered by Dalla Bona's stance, as they had hoped that he would sign a new deal, but that have now moved to put an end to the on-going saga.

The Blues brought Dalla Bona to England in 1998 on a free transfer from Atalanta and he has now played more than 70 games for The Blues.

A massive scramble featuring all of Serie A's top clubs will now ensue for Dalla Bona, who is very highly rated in his homeland.