Shevchenko on verge of Chelsea deal

AC Milan's Ukrainian forward Andriy Shevchenko celebrates after scoring a goal against Udinese during their Serie A football match, at Friuli stadium in Udine, in March 2006. Shevchenko on the verge of becoming Chelsea's most expensive signing to date after being given permission by AC Milan to open talks on a move to London.

Andriy Shevchenko on the verge of becoming Chelsea's most expensive signing to date after being given permission by AC Milan to open talks on a move to London.

The Ukrainian striker, arguably the most deadly finisher in European football, was expected at Stamford Bridge for talks on personal terms, although Chelsea stressed that they had still to finalise terms for a transfer expected to cost the club's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich in excess of 30 million pounds (42 million euros).

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Andriy Shevchenko has been given permission by AC Milan to travel to London," a statement on the club's website said, whilst adding: "An agreement between all parties is still pending."

Shevchenko scored 173 goals in seven years at Milan. But he announced last week that he would like to move to London for family reasons, mainly so that his young son can learn English, the language of his American wife.

Provided a deal can be done on the transfer fee, Shevchenko will become Chelsea's third signing of the summer following the capture of Germany captain Michael Ballack, on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, and Salomon Kalou, who has come from Dutch club Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee.

Kalou, 20, acknowledged that he may have to be patient about getting first team opportunities given the depth of talent available to manager Jose Mourinho.

But the Ivory Coast-born forward, who scored at a rate of more than one goal for every two games over the last two seasons, said he is ready to fit in wherever Mourinho opts to deploy him.

"I will play wherever the trainer tells me to play, I do not complain. I just try to do my best every game," Kalou said.

"I want to be in a team where I can be a better player, and will do my best to reach the top here.

"I do not expect to play in any position, I will just play where they put me and am going to do my best."

He added: "It was only my second season with Feyenoord and I scored 15 goals, and for someone who plays on the left side that is not too bad.

"But you can always do better and you do not have to be satisfied with what you do. You have to keep working."

Kalou was voted the best young talent in Holland in 2004/05 and has applied for Dutch citizenship, although his application was not processed in time for him to represent the Netherlands in the World Cup this summer.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon believes the club have acquired a valuable asset for the long term.

"He has a great record of scoring goals," Kenyon said. "He is one of the bright young talents - and I think that fits the bill very much."

Kalou's arrival signals the end of England under-21 striker Carlton Cole's time at Chelsea. Cole is set for a move to Tottenham or Premiership newcomers Reading and Icelandic forward Eidur Gudjohnsen could also be on his way out of Stamford Bridge before the end of the summer.