Chelsea to Appoint West Ham Boss Avram Grant as Sporting Director

West Ham boss Avram Grant set for shock return to Chelsea if Guus Hiddink turns down sporting director job
The under pressure Hammers manager still speaks regularly to Blues owner Roman Abramovich and is the only other candidate if the Turkey boss rejects Stamford Bridge offer

Avram Grant will make a shock return to Chelsea as sporting director if Guus Hiddink turns the role down at the end of the season.

Goal.com understands Grant expects to lose his job as West Ham manager at the end of the season and has held regular conversations with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about a return to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Arnesen, Chelsea’s current sporting director, is leaving for Hamburg in the summer, with Turkey coach Hiddink the club’s first choice as his replacement.

But the Dutchman, who managed the Blues for three months in 2009, is expected to stay in charge of Turkey if they keep alive their Euro 2012 hopes by avoiding defeat against qualification rivals Belgium on June 3. Even if he leaves Turkey, the 64-year-old will also give consideration to offers from Ajax and PSV.

Grant has had a close relationship with Abramovich for many years and was himself Blues boss for most of the 2007-08 season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. According to sources familiar with the situation, Grant is the only alternative candidate after Hiddink and could be set for a return to Stamford Bridge.