Official: Lille confirm Kalou deal

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has officially signed a four-year deal at Lille, the French side's official website has confirmed.

 The Cote d'Ivoire international has been linked with a host of clubs after being released by Chelsea at the end of the season.

 However, it soon emerged that he would be moving to Lille, with the deal picking up pace after the news that the 26-year-old arrived in the Flanders city on Friday evening for a medical.

 "Lille formalises the arrival of Salomon Kalou who this morning underwent the traditional medical procedure after his arrival at Domaine de Luchin yesterday," a club statement read.

 "Released late June, the contract of the 26-year-old European champion is for four seasons.

 The former Chelsea player and has committed until 2016. "The arrival of a European champion, Salomon Kalou, to Lille is certainly among the highlights of the 2012-2013 transfer window.

 "Ambitious to enter a new stadium, the club and [club president] Michel Seydoux is pleased to have attracted a player of this calibre in their squad.

" Kalou spent six seasons in West London, making more than 240 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 60 times, but found playing time increasingly rare this season, turning out only 12 times in the Premier League.

 The Ivorian is Rudi Garcia's fourth summer signing at the club, joining Marvin Martin, Steeve Elana and Viktor Klonaridis at Les Dogues.

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Kalou & Bosingwa officially leave Chelsea

Chelsea duo Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa are both officially free agents after the west London club elected to not extending their contracts.

 The Ivorian joined the club in 2006 and leaves with numerous winners' medals including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, and scored 60 goals during his six seasons with the Blues.

 Bosingwa joined Kalou at Chelsea in 2008 and also boasts an impressive medal collection after his time at Stamford Bridge.

 With 126 appearances, the Portugese right-back had an injury-blighted four seasons, joining from Porto for €20.5 million from Porto, signed by Luiz Felipe Scolari.

 Both players had critical roles in both the Champions League and FA Cup final triumphs last season.

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Kalou uncertain on Chelsea future

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou is still unsure where he will be playing his club football next season. 

 The striker is on holiday in the United States, and took part in Steve Nash's Showdown, a charity event for underprivileged children staged annually by the basketball star who has twice been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player. 

 Kalou, 26, was himself named the game's top performer, and after the match, talked about Chelsea's penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich in last month's Champions League final. 

The Champions League, every footballer dreams of that," he told Goal.com. "It's such a great competition and a lot of big players have gone without winning the Champions League. "It is a moment in my career that I'll remember forever." 

 However, that moment was possibly his last as a Chelsea player because Kalou, whose contract expires this weekend, is not expected to re-sign for the club. 

 The Ivory Coast star scored 36 goals in 153 appearances for the Blues, and his versatility - he can play as a striker or on the wing - has reportedly attracted a number of clubs, including Liverpool, Juventus and several from Turkey's top flight. 

 At Nash's event, Kalou made light of the transfer speculation, joking: "You never know, maybe I can play here (in New York). Why not? I love the city. 

When pressed, he admitted that while on holiday he has allowed his agent to focus on his future. "Right now, it's hard to say because right now I'm here to enjoy my holiday," he said. "After that, I will decide my future.

Kalou's appearance in this year's Showdown was the third time he has been involved in Nash's charity, and he revealed that the pair have become friends. "I know him for a couple of years. I met him through a mutual friend," Kalou said. "This is my third game playing. 

When he invited me for the first one, it was a great honour. Every time I come out here, I enjoy myself. "It is always important to come and help support kids."

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Salomon Kalou on Liverpool hit-list, according to transfer rivals' boss

New Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows the forward from their time together at Stamford Bridge, and now it seems the Northern Irishman is lining up the 26-year-old free agent to bolster his attacking options at Anfield.

 However, Bundesliga side Schalke are also attempting to snap up the Ivory Coast international, and remain confident of landing their man despite this latest interest from the Reds. ‘Liverpool are in the market for him [Kalou], but I know he wants to leave England.

 That can be an advantage for us,’ said Schalke’s boss Huub Stevens. The Dutch manager had also targeted Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, but Stevens admits signing his countryman will be a tricky task.

 ‘It is clear that Rafael is a very good player. But first we would have to sell players, and even then, a transfer is difficult,’ added Stevens. Van Der Vaart has previously opened the door to a move away from White Hart Lane, despite insisting he’s happy in north London.

 ‘There is always interest,’ said midfielder. ‘I'm happy in England and will remain there.

 But in football you never know. That's what I wanted to say and no more than that.

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