Chelsea 'face battle to land Marcus Bettinelli from Fulham'

Chelsea face a tough task trying to persuade Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli to join the club this summer, according to a report.

The England Under-21s international has been tipped with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks as a direct replacement for back-up stopper Petr Cech, who is expected to depart.

However, Fulham are said to have offered the youngster a new deal at the club, an option which The Telegraph understands Bettinelli will take up.

It is claimed that the former Accrington Stanley loanee is worried that by making a switch across London to Stamford Bridge, his development will be stunted as a result of playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois.

Rob Green and Brad Friedel have both also been linked with a move to the Premier League champions elect.