Fulham and West Ham are reportedly set to battle it out for the signature of Michael Mancienne if he decides to quit Chelsea. The 20-year-old has yet to feature for the Blues first-team, but impressed during two loan spells at QPR, and knows he may have to leave Stamford Bridge to step up another level.
Mancienne said: "I understand the problem at Chelsea because there are so many top-quality players.
"But it can get you down when you are a regular with England Under-21s, but you go back to the reserve team. It's very frustrating.
"I am at a stage now where I need to play first-team football and feel ready to test myself at the highest level.
"My game has blossomed under Stuart Pearce and my education at Chelsea has been top-class.
"I will keep trying to catch the boss' eye, but eventually you have to be honest and start thinking about what's best for your career."
