Chelsea set to open discussions for £15m defender

Despite Chelsea fans not knowing who will be at the helm of the club when the new season rolls around, the rumours are flying thick and fast. The latest piece of gossip is that Roman Ambramovich is ready to throw his money at German side Schalke for the services of their young centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

The 21-year-old is a towering central defender who can also play in the anchorman role. His domineering performances since the age of 15 has seen him become one of the most sought after youngsters in Europe and it is believed that a move to the Premier League is imminent.

John Terry has fallen down every type of pecking order there is at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Rafa Benitez and is expected to leave the club when his contract runs out next season. The Chelsea board are keen to continue their emphasis on injecting youth to the side and believe that Papadopoulos is the man to replace the stalwart Blues defender.

With Bayer Leverkusen star Andre Schurrle said to be on the brink of a move to west London and the fresh whispers that Greece international Papadopoulos is on his way,  it would seem strange if the club's filthy rich owner didn't have a manager lined up behind closed doors.

But I am sure we will soon hear what date Mr Mourinho takes over...