The main man: Abramovich is prepared to splash the
cash
Key role: Abramovich wants to buy a new striker despite
the resurgence of Fernando Torres in recent weeks
Roman Abramovich will present his new manager with
a list of potential star signings and tell him to take his
pick.
And Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner has pinpointed
four key roles - a centre forward, two full backs and an attacking
midfielder - as the priorities for a summer spending
spree.
Abramovich has used his scouting staff on a six-month
project to build up detailed dossiers so that the next boss at
Stamford Bridge can hit the ground running. A fresh bid to sign
Tottenham's Luka Modric will be one of the options.
Despite the uncertainty over who will be in the hot seat
next season as permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas, the
Chelsea owner has been determined to continue with his strategy to
rebuild the Blues squad.
Sportsmail
revealed in December how Villas-Boas had instructed the club's
scouts to embark on a global mission to identify targets ahead of
the summer.
Having a Duff season: Chelsea are in danger of missing
out on the Champions League next season
That process has continued and the paperwork on
potential transfer fees and wages is waiting for
action.
Abramovich wants his new boss to have the final say on
whom he signs, but knows he can't afford to delay.
Some of the game's most high-profile players have made the
club's wanted list.
The Blues are also targeting Atletico Madrid centre
forward Radamel Falcao, Napoli midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi, and
Ajax central defender Jan Vertonghen, as Barcelona are keen to sign
David Luiz.
Chelsea have already made contact with Porto over their
interest in Hulk, and have had initial discussions with Real Madrid
over the purchase of Gonzalo Higuain.
But their recruitment plans are likely to be offset by
numerous departures. Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Florent
Malouda are all out of contract and are set to leave in the
summer.
Sportsmail also
revealed in February that Daniel Sturridge is considering his
future.
Meanwhile, Branislav Ivanovic has risked an additional FA
ban after appealing against his violent conduct charge for
appearing to punch Shaun Maloney of Wigan.
The Serb already faces a three-match ban, but that could
rise to four if the FA decide his appeal is frivolous. It is
understood Chelsea admit Ivanovic made contact with Maloney - but
contest there was any violent intent from the 28-year-old. The
appeal will be heard today.
