PSG emerges as a shock possibility for Chelsea departee
Published:After spending years as the ugly duckling of Europe’s most high-profile divisions, Ligue 1 is threatening a resurgence in 2011, and former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is reported to be the latest big name to get involved.
Lille were the success story of the season on the continent after winning the title on a shoestring and Europe’s top sides are all doing their best to dismantle their squad with the likes of Gervinho and Eden Hazard attracting plenty of interest.
The recently completed campaign was also notable for PSG finishing fourth, the highest position that the sleeping giants of French football have achieved since in seven years, which was followed last month by a takeover by the Qatar Investment Authority.
The new owners have wasted no time showing that they mean business, with prolific striker Kevin Gameiro last week opting to choose the capital club over Champions League football in Valencia.
Their most ambitious move yet though occurred a few days ago when they made an approach for 6/4 Serie A contenders Inter’s coach Leonardo, hoping to convince him to join his former team as a director of sport.
PSG’S offer met a positive response and his current employers have accepted the likelihood of his exit and started searching for a new boss, however they have denied suggestions that they will try to lure former AC Milan tactician Ancelotti.
Yet while a return to Italy for the two-time Champions League-winning manager appears unlikely, L’Equipe in France claim that Leonardo is keen to bring him to Paris to recreate a partnership that proved successful with the Rossoneri in Milan.
Of equal interest to Blues fans is L’Equipe’s other rumour that owner Roman Abramovich has been in touch with Claude Makelele about a role at Stamford Bridge helping the 5/2 Premier League challengers to recruit new players.
