Chelsea ready to sell Sheva Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko has been given permission to return to Milan, reports in England are suggesting.
The Ukrainian, who joined the Blues last year in a £30m summer move, has struggled to adapt to his new life in the Premiership and has been constantly linked with a return.
Now the Sun newspaper claims that a deal could be done for the striker, who has scored just four League goals this term.
Shevchenko is scheduled to meet Milan officials in Athens this week, where he will be a guest of President Silvio Berlusconi for the Champions League Final with Liverpool.
The forward, who had recently stated that he wanted to silence his critics in London, has allegedly asked Chelsea patron Roman Abramovich permission to leave.
The striker’s request was understood to be motivated by the club’s decision to confirm boss Jose Mourinho, whose strained relationship with the former Rossoneri ace has never been a secret.
Abramovich is ready to release Sheva with Chelsea expected to ask for a cash-plus-player deal as opposed to Milan’s request for him to join them on loan.
However, the Via Turati outfit may consider offering £12m and including Georgian defender Kakha Kaladze in the operation.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had stated on Sunday that Shevchenko and Michael Ballack would not be sold.
“It’s not going to happen. We brought both these players in for three, four years,†he said. “We didn’t bring them in for a season and we knew fully well what their capabilities are.
“I’m confident they are going to be here as big players with Chelsea next season. They feel they have a lot more to give as it takes time to settle in.â€