Premier League champions for the past two seasons, Chelsea are hungry for European soccer's biggest prize after two most recent campaigns were thwarted by Barcelona and Liverpool.

"We have to retain the Premiership again and build upon that and that is our target. But with the players we have brought in, we are really pushing for the Champions League," Terry told Chelsea's website on Monday.

"We are desperate for it."

Chelsea scored only nine goals in eight European games last season and Terry acknowledged: "Last year we didn't really score a lot in the Champions League.

"With these two players coming in, hopefully that is going to change."

Chelsea paid a reported 30 million pounds (55.79 million dollars) to bring Ukraine striker and captain Shevchenko from AC Milan, while Germany skipper Ballack joined as a free agent from Bayern Munich to strengthen a midfield led by Frank Lampard. "When you look at the experience they have got over the years, and the goals, if we can add their goals to the 18 or 20 that Lampsy's banged in over the last couple of years then we have a chance," Terry said.

"We want a striker up there banging in 25 to 30 goals, Ballack hopefully scoring similar to Lampsy and everyone chipping in with their fair share."

Aside from success with Chelsea, Terry is also hoping to take over the England armband from David Beckham, who stepped down as captain after their World Cup exit.

Terry and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard are seen as the front-runners in the race for the captaincy under new England manager Steve McClaren, whose tenure starts on Tuesday.

Chelsea, who open their league title defence against Manchester City on Aug. 20, are currently on tour in the United States.