
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will back new manager Avram Grant to bring in multi-million-pound talent in the New Year, with Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho the principal target.
But Grant is likely to have to work alongside Russia coach Guus Hiddink after the Dutchman revealed that he had held detailed talks with Abramovich a week before the Russian parted company with Jose Mourinho.
Abramovich is taking more direct control of his club by compiling a team of advisers that includes Grant, Frank Arnesen, who runs youth development and recruitment, and Piet De Visser, the 73-year-old scout who acts as a personal football consultant to the Russian oligarch.
According to those close to the former manager, it was this committee of trusted lieutenants around the billionaire owner that made Mourinho's position intolerable.
Grant, who will remain at the apex of the group, will be allowed to hire new coaching staff. Portsmouth No 2 Tony Adams is a potential assistant, having worked with Grant during the Israeli's spell as technical director at Fratton Park last year.
According to a source close to Grant, Abramovich will 'throw millions at him' in the transfer window, in stark contrast to the refusal to spend big money in the last six months of Mourinho's reign.