CARLO ANCELOTTI: SIGN ME SOME STARS

CARLO ANCELOTTI last night pleaded with owner Roman Abramovich: I desperately need new players.

The Italian spoke out yesterday after Chelseas dismal league form continued with a home draw against struggling Aston Villa.

Ancelotti has told the Russian he needs at least a centre-back and a striker.

But Starsport can reveal his request to sign David Luiz from Benfi ca has fallen on deaf ears, with Abramovich unwilling to pay the Portuguese clubs 26m asking price. He is adamant the highest he will go is 17.5m.

Ancelottis need for a boost in this months transfer window was illustrated yesterday after the champions made it just seven points collected out of the last 24.

Frank Lampards penalty put them ahead but Villa hit back with Ashley Youngs spot-kick and an Emile Heskey header. Late strikes from Didier Drogba and John Terry looked to have won it for the Blues, but the unmarked Ciaran Clark headed an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage-time.

I dont like to speak here as to which players we need, said Ancelotti.

But we need some players.

Although Drogba scored yesterday, Chelsea are having huge problems up front. The Ivorian was claiming his second goal in open play in 12 games, while Anelka is goalless in nine and was substituted.

Florent Malouda has managed only three in 19.

They have difficulty in this moment but Drogba scored today, added Ancelotti. For a striker to score ! is very important and I think he is moving on from this difficult moment.

I hope, in the next game Anelka can score.

Ancelotti insisted his team were still in the title hunt, even though they now trail leaders Manchester United by six points, having played a game more.

Everything is open, he said. We have to beat United here (on March 1) and that will say something about the title.

We obviously need to beat them here. The title race is not over because we are improving and I think we can say something about it.

Skipper Terry said: We still have to play Man U twice. We are Double winners, the best team in the country.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier was delighted. I think this can be a turning point, he said.

We showed character, we showed bravery, we didnt bottle it.

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