Chelsea have made a £12million bid for Lyon winger Florent
Malouda, according to reports in France. The Blues have been
heavily linked with a move for the player in recent weeks and
appear to have made their interest in the France international
official.
Coach Jose Mourinho is an admirer of the 27-year-old and Malouda
has already stated his desire to leave Stade Gerland. A deal to
bring the player to Stamford Bridge now looks increasingly likely,
although Chelsea's offer is still below Lyon's valuation.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth technical director Avram Grant is set to join
the club on July 1, although Chelsea refused to comment on his
impending arrival.
The former Israel manager is friends with Chelsea's billionaire
owner Roman Abramovich and speculation about Grant's arrival
sparked a row between Mourinho and the club's owner back in
January. But the differences have been resolved and Grant is
expected to be given a wide-ranging role as director of
football.
Negotiations with Chelsea are alleged to have started, although no
contract has been signed as yet. A Chelsea spokesman said: "Avram
Grant is an employee of another football club and, as such, we will
not comment."
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has made it clear he would not
stand in Grant's way and the Israeli is expected to agree a
contract with the Blues by the end of the month.
