Mourinho confirms Schwarzer exit

Chelsea F.C. manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed third-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is leaving West London for Leicester.

The Blues, who advanced to the FA Cup fourth round at the expense of Watford on Sunday, will consequently recall former England Under-19 shot-stopper Jamal Blackman from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.

Now that Schwarzer is leaving the club, Chelsea will likely keep No. 2 goalkeeper Petr Cech on the books for the rest of the 2014/15 campaign.

“I want to publicly thank Mark Schwarzer because he’s leaving us and he was a fantastic guy for us,” Mourinho told the club’s official website.

“As a goalkeeper, when we needed him, he was there for us, and as a person and a professional he was an amazing guy in our group. On behalf of myself, my staff and my players I want to say we are going to miss the big guy and we wish him all the best in his new life at Leicester.

“We’ll bring Jamal back from Middlesbrough. He was on loan there but he wasn’t playing so for them it’s not a problem. For us, he’s a young, English goalkeeper. He can work with Courtois and Cech so for him it’s a good experience.”

Chelsea are scheduled to host Newcastle United in the English Premier League on Saturday, 10 January.

Ben Arfa, Newcastle cut ties

Newcastle United F.C. have cancelled the contract of former France international winger Hatem Ben Arfa, effective immediately.

A statement on the Magpies official website read: “Newcastle United can today confirm that Hatem Ben Arfa and the club have reached an agreement to terminate the contract between both parties with immediate effect by mutual consent. Newcastle United wishes Hatem all the best for his future.”

Ben Arfa, 27, has already reached an agreement to play for French Ligue 1 side Nice, and will join the club after completing a medical on Monday.

“We have reached an agreement in principle with Hatem Ben Arfa,” confirmed the club. “The France international will have a medical on Monday prior to signing with Le Gym.”

Bruce: Defoe might be too expensive for Hull

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has revealed Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe may be too expensive for the Tigers.

“He might be too expensive,” admitted Bruce. “If there is a chance, we would be interested in him, but I don’t want to get the hopes up of all the Hull supporters. There is a long way to go.”

Defoe bagged 11 goals and two assists in 19 MLS appearances for Toronto last season.