Roman Abramovich is
prepared to splash out on a big-money signing this summer,
according to Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.
With a new manager to be installed, Buck does not expect wholesale
changes in the playing staff, but he revealed owner Abramovich his
prepared to open his chequebook should the right man become
available.
The chairman told Chelsea TV: "We expect three or four
players to leave and three or four players to come in.
"We would like to fund those purchases with the transfer fees we
receive but, having said that, if the right player comes along,
even if he's an expensive player, Roman is willing to do that if it
makes sense for Chelsea Football Club.
AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti remains favourite to
replace Guus Hiddink, who has endeared himself to the
Chelsea fans since being place in interim charge in February
following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Buck expects Chelsea to have a new man in place "sooner rather than
later''.
"We've done our homework and we would hope that quite probably,
sooner rather than later, we will announce the manager for next
season and beyond.
"We're looking for the kind of person that can win trophies
for Chelsea Football Club in an entertaining way year after year
after year.''