Morgan Rodgers: Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has ‘plans’ to sign record signing Cole Palmer

Chelsea Manager Xabi Alonso says he “plans” to play club record £117m signing Morgan Rodgers alongside Cole Palmer – and believes the England international will make an “immediate impact”.

He became a midfielder The most expensive British player of all time When he moved away from there Aston Villa At Stamford Bridge last week.

The 24-year-old is on holiday after playing for England in the World Cup Chelsea started their pre-season tour in Sydney.

“We needed an important player in this position and I’m sure there was no better option than Morgan Rodgers,” Alonso said.

“You need players who can make an almost immediate impact and I’m sure it won’t take long for Morgan to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates,” Alonso said.

“That was the idea, to get a top player and Morgan was one of them.”

Rodgers signed a six-year deal Chelseawith an option for a further year.

Alonso insists he will be ready despite not yet taking part in pre-season training and believes he will be in line with fellow England international Palmer.

The pair describe each other as their “best friends in football”, Rodgers said They will love to play together.

“I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them connecting really well,” Alonso said of the pair.

“We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and have those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we’ll be more competitive with and without the ball.”