Chelsea are all set to make Roberto Di Matteo their manager this week.
Di Matteo, who took over as interim manager after the firing of Andre Villas-Boas in March, guided Chelsea to the European Champions League title and FA Cup honors, and was widely tipped to remain in the hot seat, especially after receiving glowing tributes from the Chelsea players.
Di Matteo's representatives held talks with Chelsea over the weekend, and only a few issues remain to be ironed out before the signing is confirmed. The Italian is on holiday in the US and is set to sign on the dotted line after his return sometime this week.
The contract is believed to be a long term one, with the Italian reluctant to commit to a one-year contract. However, It is understood Abramovich is still keen on appointing Pep Guardiola, once the Spaniard comes out of his sabbatical. Therefore, a clause allowing either party to sever their ties after a year is also expected to be a part of the contract. Abramovich was reportedly looking at bringing in Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, but has now decided to stick with the Italian.
The appointment is sure to be a popular one in the dressing room, after several Chelsea players spoke out publicly about their preference for Di Matteo.
Chelsea are keen on bringing in Barcelona starlet Sergi Roberto. The 20-year-old midfielder has made quite an impression playing for Bara's 'B' team, but has failed to break into the main squad, making just one appearance last season.
However, Barcelona have reportedly turned down an $8.2 million bid for Roberto.
Chelsea are also looking at Maicon as a possible replacement for Jose Bosingwa, who was released in the off-season. Maicon has admitted his time at Inter Milan could be over, with several reports suggesting he is on the verge of a move to Brazil. However, Maicon could yet stay in Europe with Chelsea and Real Madrid monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Ramires has said he could leave Chelsea for his old club Cruzeiro. The all-action midfielder was an integral part of Chelsea's line-up last season, scoring the vital away goal against Barcelona. He also recently signed a new five-year deal with in March. However, Ramires said if his old club came calling, he would find it hard to refuse.
"If Cruzeiro are interested, it's possible for me to go back," the 25-year-old told Sportv.
"Although it's not a decision I can make and difficult because my price is very high. If Cruzeiro could raise the money, I would go back for sure.
"I was happy at Cruzeiro and felt an obligation to return at some point, as the club offered me a chance to launch my sport career in Europe. I still follow their matches on the internet. The fans were always good to me and named me 'Ramires the Warrior'.
"I still keep all the videos of when I played at the club and in difficult moments at Chelsea I watch them to increase my morale."
Liverpool are interested in signing Daniel Sturridge, according to the Daily Star.
Sturridge, who has also been linked with a move to former club Manchester City, has previously stated his displeasure at playing in a wide role and saw his playing time diminish after Di Matteo took over. It is understood, Liverpool are readying a bid worth $23 million.