Ramon Planes: Chelsea target ex-Barcelona director to 'improve' project

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich reportedly wants to bring former Barcelona director Ramon Planes on board at Stamford Bridge.

The Russian billionaire is entering his 19th year in charge of the Blues, and was in attendance in Abu Dhabi on Saturday as his side finally won the Club World Cup - the only major trophy Chelsea had yet to win during his tenure.

And it appears he wants to continue building his west London dynasty long into the future. Sport report that ex-Barça director Planes is being eyed by Abramovich to undertake a similar role at Chelsea.

Planes is credited with 'discovering' several of Barcelona's current young stars, including Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo - the latter of which has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent weeks.

The 54-year-old is a wanted man across Europe and it's believed that his next job will not be in Spain having only recently ended a three-year stint at Camp Nou, despite widespread interest from clubs in his homeland.

Another English club have met with Planes recently to present their own sporting project to him, and he is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks.