Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes thinks that, even if Chelsea win both the Premier League and the Champions League, Grant will step aside to allow the Dutchman to bring the sort of expansive and attacking football that Roman Abramovich craves.

Hughes told The Sun: "This will take place with Avram's blessing. He is a modest guy who does not particularly like being in the limelight.

"He'd be happy to revert to the role where he acts as a link between the coaching staff and the board."

Reports on Tuesday claimed that Rijkaard will leave Barcelona in the summer, to be replaced by Josep Guardiola, and could favour a move to London.

Hughes continued: "Avram is a student of football. I had countless conversations with him when he was here about Barca, their players and the way they play.

"It is well known Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is an admirer of Barcelona and the football they play.

"He seems to be on a crusade to bring a similar brand of play to Stamford Bridge.

"A big reason for Jose Mourinho leaving was that Abramovich wanted to see a type of football the Special One was not delivering."