Mourinho reiterates desire to keep Cech

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The saga involving Petr Cech's future at Chelsea rumbles on, as Jose Mourinho says the club will have a big say on his fate.

Jose Mourinho reiterated his desire for Petr Cech to stay at Chelsea after the player's agent claimed he was free to negotiate a transfer away for the goalkeeper.

Cech has played second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge this term and persistent rumours have linked him with a move away, with Premier League rivals Arsenal said to be keen on a deal.

The 32-year-old's agent, Viktor Kolar, further stoked the fires when he told TalkSPORT that his client has been given permission to talk to interested parties.

"I don't know if it's absolutely true what the agent is saying," he said. "Maybe it is, but Chelsea has an important say in the decision.

"I keep saying the same thing. I want my best players. Petr is one of my best. I would like him to stay.

"I have to say yes I am optimistic that he can be here next year.

"I expect to be a little busy [in the transfer market]. I like my squad very much. It's a young squad with space to improve. 

"Last year I was very keen to sell some players. This year, the base is to keep the squad. We know what we want and, I repeat, it's not much."

The champions visit West Brom for their penultimate game of the season on Monday, and Mourinho could welcome top scorer Diego Costa back from a month-long lay-off from a hamstring problem, but the Portuguese confirmed that Kurt Zouma will not be back until next term after he limped off in last week's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

"I think Costa is selected for this game," he added. " I cannot confirm now."