Chelsea are pushing ahead with player recruitment even before they confirm Jose Mourinho as their new manager.
Southampton left-back Luke Shaw is expected to join Brazilian right-back Wallace and Bayer Leverkusenâ’s Andre Schurrle as additions to next year’s squad.
Southampton have yet to receive an approach from Chelsea for £10million-rated Shaw, 17, who would be a potential long-term replacement for Ashley Cole, and would fight to keep such a highly rated player.
However, an enquiry is anticipated this month, demonstrating that technical director Michael Emenalo is still pushing Chelsea’s transfer agenda despite Mourinho’s imminent arrival.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat by local rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Friday, a game in which Ronaldo and his manager were sent off.
But Mourinho’s move to Chelsea is being hampered as owner Roman Abramovich is understood to be reluctant to meet the compensation clause in his Real contract, which could run to £10m. However, it is anticipated the issue will be resolved.
Chelsea will want to limit the number of backroom staff Mourinho takes to Stamford Bridge, although his Real assistant, Aitor Karanka, and goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro are expected to join him.
Abramovich paid £23m in compensation to Mourinho and his assistants when he dismissed them in 2007.
Chelsea are expected to try to make two further marquee signings in the summer, with a striker the top priority as well as a midfielder.
Radamel Falcao has long been top of their list of strikers but Chelsea are unwilling to meet the £50m buy-out clause that Atletico Madrid and the investors in the player’s transfers rights want for him and which Monaco will pay. - Sunday Mail