Chelsea is preparing to appoint their Champions League-winning manager Roberto Di Matteo on a permanent basis "after intensive negotiations over the weekend between the club and his representatives," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. The Italian "has been told that the job is his, subject to the resolution of certain contractual issues," and is expected to be confirmed this week. The main issue to resolve "is a presentational one" over contract length, as Di Matteo is seeking "greater security" than the 12-month rolling deal he signed when initially recruited as an assistant to Andre Villas-Boas last summer (LONDON TIMES, 6/11). The London DAILY MAIL's Matt Lawton noted contract terms "have now been agreed -- and it is definitely more than a one-year deal that would look like he was simply holding the fort until Pep Guardiola made himself available." On Sunday night, both sides were "hoping to complete negotiations within the next 48 hours" (DAILY MAIL, 6/10). In Abu Dhabi, Duncan Castles reported it is understood Di Matteo will be "granted a basic salary" in excess of the £4M ($6.2M) paid to Villas-Boas. Incentives will amount to more than the £1M ($1.5M) bonus the former Chelsea midfielder earned for last season's FA Cup successes, and "there is not expected to be any end-of-season break clause included in the contract" (THE NATIONAL, 6/11). In London, Jason Burt noted senior figures at the club "remain unsure whether the former West Bromwich Albion manager is the right man to take over" (TELEGRAPH, 6/10). Also in London, Dominic Fifield noted Chelsea's recruitment department, headed by Technical Dir Michael Emenalo, "has moved to reshape their squad in his absence and still hope to add" the £38M ($58.9M) Brazil int'l Hulk from Porto FC having secured Lille FC's "exciting midfielder," Eden Hazard for around £32M ($49.6M) (GUARDIAN, 6/10).
