Chelsea have performed a surprise U-turn and will give striker Eidur Gudjohnsen a one-year extension to his contract next week. The Icelandic international had agreed improved terms with Chelsea last week before Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich launched his successful �140m takeover of the club.
BBC Sport revealed on Tuesday that the Blues had withdrawn their initial offer despite the 24-year-old being keen to stay at Stamford Bridge.
However, the London club have backtracked on that decision and want to secure the services of Gudjohnsen, who has worked his way back to full fitness after an injury-plagued season, until 2006.
"Eidur and myself will be in London on Wednesday to sign the one-year extension," the player's agent Peter Harrison told this website.
"Hopefully the whole thing will be completely sorted out in the next 48 hours because Eidur wants to stay at Chelsea."
Chelsea have been linked with a host of top-name stars as Abramovich attempts to establish the club among Europe's elite before the start of the season.
And BBC Sport understands that the Blues are ready to make a move for Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert.
The Dutchman can leave the Catalan club for a fee of just �1.2m after Barcelona cut his wages. That activated a clause in his contract allowing the 27-year-old to go for a knockdown price.
Newcastle were reportedly interested in the Holland striker, but are said to have baulked at his wage demands.
However, money is no objective for Chelsea now, with Abramovich ready to spend big to rebuild the squad.
MMIX
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