Ex-Boro keeper on his way to Stamford Bridge (From The Northern Echo)

Ex-Boro keeper on his way to Stamford Bridge

5:35pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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ROSS TURNBULL’S future became clear last night when the former Middlesbrough goalkeeper sealed a dream move to Chelsea.

The 24-year-old, whose contract at the Riverside Stadium expired on June 30, completed negotiations and a medical at the Blues’ training ground yesterday.

It brought an end to a hectic week for Turnbull, who has steadily been put through a series of fitness tests ahead of the incredible move being finalised.

Turnbull, from Newton Aycliffe, has signed a fouryear contract and is expected to play the understudy role to Petr Cech.

While there was confirmation that Hilario has also committed his future to Chelsea by signing a new two-year deal, Turnbull has been told he is likely to be handed his fair share of starts next season.

With Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup football on the cards, new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed with the scouting reports on the Boro Academy graduate.

A summer move to Chelsea has been on the cards before Ancelotti’s arrival, but he has been more than satisfied for the deal to go ahead.

Turnbull spent much of last season as Gareth Southgate’s first choice on Teesside, only to be replaced by Brad Jones after a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on January 28.

His omission from the team led to suggestions that the axe had fallen on him because he had not followed Jones’ lead and signed a new contract, which was denied by the club. In the middle of last month Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb insisted Turnbull had received four “substantial” offers to stay.

But his mind was made up to leave after becoming frustrated at the way he lost his place, having been touted as a future England goalkeeper during the 22 matches he played in the Premier League last season.

Chelsea’s swoop for Turnbull comes at a time when FIFA president Sepp Blatter is planning to implement a new quota rule on foreign players, which would stipulate that each team will have to start each match with a minimum of six home qualified players.

Boro’s fifth pre-season game will be a trip to face Coca-Cola League Two Macclesfield on Saturday, July 18 at 3pm.