Chelsea snatch Chievo keeper

By Nadia Carminati

CHIEVO VERONA claim goalkeeper Marco Ambrosio has signed a three-year contract with Chelsea.

Ambrosio was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in February as Blues boss Claudio Ranieri sought experienced cover in the goalkeeping position.

Ranieri wanted Ambrosio to be third choice to Carlo Cudicini and Ed De Goey following the termination of Mark Bosnich's Chelsea career.

De Goey has just been released by Chelsea but Ranieri has teed up a deal to land Austrian shot-stopper Jurgen Macho from Sunderland.

Macho's arrival will ensure Ambrosio will still be considered third choice in West London, although he is no stranger to providing back-up.

Ambrosio has been Chievo coach Luigi Del Neri's second option to regular keeper Cristiano Lupatelli in Verona.

The 30-year-old has barely featured during his time in Chievo and is tipped to join Chelsea on a free transfer during the summer.

The shot-stopper is expected in London after the conclusion of Chievo's tour of the Far East which started on Sunday.

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