Chelsea may move for CSKA's Love, Independent says

The following is a roundup of soccer stories from U.K. newspapers.

Wagner Love to Chelsea?

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich may use his links in Russian soccer to secure a loan deal for CSKA Moscow's Brazil striker Wagner Love, according to the Independent.

Egyptian forward Amr Zaki, on a season-long loan at Wigan, and Lyon's Karim Benzema, have also been mentioned after coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he wanted another striker, the newspaper said.

Abramovich, who contributes toward the wages of Russia's national team coach Guus Hiddink, is friends with CSKA President Evgeny Giner, the Independent said. CSKA has been reluctant to allow Wagner Love, 24, to go on loan, demanding a 12 million-pound permanent deal, it added.

Chelsea could sell players such as Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba to facilitate new signings, the Independent said.

Villa wants Heskey

Aston Villa coach Martin O'Neill has confirmed his interest in signing Wigan striker Emile Heskey in January, the Times reported. Heskey, 30, will be available for around 3 million pounds in the transfer window as Wigan wants to sell before his contract expires at the end of the season, the newspaper said.

Everton, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion are among other clubs considering a move for the England forward, the Times added.

The newspaper cited O'Neill as saying he is planning to strengthen his team and suggested Wigan will have little choice but to sell Heskey as "generally, the player who has six months left on his contract is in the driving seat."

Torres injury blow

Liverpool may be without Fernando Torres until next month as he needs longer to recover from a hamstring injury than the club first thought, according to the Mail and the Sun.

Torres, 24, who has scored 38 goals in 62 games for the Reds, is likely to miss up to six more matches, the newspapers said. Liverpool, in his absence, was held to a 0-0 home draw by West Ham on Dec. 1.

Hammers player exits

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has been told he may have to sell up to eight players next month following financial problems for the club's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the Express said.