Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are ready to conclude talks over a new contract with a view to keeping him in charge at Stamford Bridge until 2019.
Mourinho’s current deal, thought to be worth £12.5million a year, expires in two years but there is a will from both sides to swiftly agree a two-year extension with improved terms. The manager will be back in his office at the training ground today after two days off following the club’s first Barclays Premier League title triumph in five years.
Chelsea hope contract negotiations can be finalised quickly before they focus on the summer transfer market.
Barcelona striker Pedro Rodriguez has emerged as a possible target as Mourinho attempts to strengthen his squad and build a dynasty at Stamford Bridge. Since returning to London from Real Madrid two years ago, he has insisted that he no longer felt the urge to club-hop in pursuit of personal ambition.
Instead, he came in legacy mode, keen to create something to compare with what Sir Alex Ferguson did at Manchester United.
Mourinho said it would be ‘impossible’ for him to match Ferguson’s 13 Premier League titles, but he is determined to achieve more at Stamford Bridge.
‘My next move will be if and when Chelsea decide it is time,’ the 52-year-old said earlier this year, and Roman Abramovich, a visible presence during the run-in, appears delighted.
Transfer business seems set to revolve around signing one or two strikers, a defender and a reserve goalkeeper, with Petr Cech expected to leave after 11 years.
Chelsea have declared an interest in Barcelona’s Pedro, having been made aware of his availability earlier this year, and they also admire Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Greizmann.
Mourinho is keen on Getafe’s 28-year-old goalkeeper Vicente Guaita (right) as back-up to Thibaut Courtois, although an English goalkeeper would help them with the quota regulations.
Rafael Varane remains a top defensive target if he can be prised out of Real Madrid but the Chelsea manager, aware that Branislav Ivanovic can operate in central defence, may opt for another full back.
Real left back Fabio Coentrao is in the frame again, with Filipe Luis set to leave Stamford Bridge, probably for a return to Atletico.
Chelsea face competition from Mainz for Japan forward Yoshinori Muto. FC Tokyo announced last month they were in negotiations with Chelsea over Muto’s sale. However, the 22-year-old believes he would gain more game time in the Bundesliga and is willing to snub Chelsea and discuss a £4m move to Germany.
Mainz management are expected to arrive in Japan next week to negotiate directly with Muto.
Chelsea’s players do not report back until tomorrow to start preparations for the game at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
Mourinho knows the strain this campaign has put on a smallish squad and is planning to give them another four days off next week before they play at West Bromwich on Monday week.
Oscar is out of the final three games. The Brazil midfielder damaged a thigh muscle in training last week and will not take part in the Copa America in June. Filipe Luis and Willian have been selected by Brazil boss Dunga but not Ramires, who has a kidney problem. – Daily Mail