Schwarzer hopes the move will boost his chance of playing in the 2014 World Cup

Chelsea have signed Mark Schwarzer, the former Fulham goalkeeper, on a one-year contract. The 40-year-old Australian will move across southwest London to provide back-up to Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge after leaving Craven Cottage at the end of last season.

The move for Schwarzer is a surprise because Chelsea have previously targeted home-grown goalkeepers to give them greater flexibility in registering their Barclays Premier League and Champions League squads, but it suits both parties. Schwarzer gets to stay in London with the prospect of some high-level football to help him earn a place in Australia’s World Cup squad, while Chelsea gain an experienced goalkeeper as cover for Cech.

Thibaut Courtois will stay at Atletico Madrid for another season on loan, while Jamal Blackman will be