Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly prepared to offer Pep Guardiola £18m a year to become the club's new manager.
The Russian billionaire is believed to be determined to land the former Barcelona boss, who revealed earlier this week that he intends to return to management this summer following a year's sabbatical in New York.
Abramovich, who is said to be furious following the Blues' 2-0 defeat to Swansea City in the first leg of the League Cup, is willing to make Guardiola the highestpaid manager in England with an £18m-a-year contract, according to The Express.
Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was appointed as the club's interim manager but reports have claimed that the Spaniard is unlikely to remain at Stamford Bridge and could be scouted by Real Madrid in the summer.
