• Premier League

Abramovich PA given transfer role

Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
March 3, 2011
Roman Abramovich splashed out significantly during the January transfer window, signing Fernando Torres and David Luiz © Getty Images
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Roman Abramovich has turned to his PA, Marina Granovskaia, to form an important part of his transfer recruitment team as Chelsea step up their bids for Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

ESPNsoccernet understands Granovskaia was involved in the deals to sign Fernando Torres and David Luiz on the final day of the transfer window and that she has now been asked to take a more hands-on role in attempting to sign Belgian starlets Lukaku and De Bruyne.

Granovskaia has so far managed to avoid the spotlight but she appears to be taking increased responsibility in the role currently fulfilled by sporting director Frank Arnesen, who will leave to join Hamburg at the end of the season.

"Marina is a link between Chelsea, the players, and the agents," ESPNsoccernet's insider said. "It is the sort of role you would normally associate with the director of football."

Chelsea have begun the process of attempting to sign Anderlecht striker Lukaku, 17, who has been touted as a potential successor to Didier Drogba. Lukaku has described Chelsea as his "favourite club", but Anderlecht are demanding €30 million for the player amid rival interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Racing Genk's De Bruyne, meanwhile, is also considered one of the finest young talents in Belgium, and the 19-year-old is capable of playing in midfield and attack. Chelsea are believed to have offered €4 million, but have been told the bid is nowhere near Genk's asking price.

Manchester City have also expressed an interest in De Bruyne.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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