If André Villas-Boas was perturbed by the presence of Roman Abramovich at Chelsea's training ground on Tuesday, he hid it well, shuffling in front of reporters to announce: "It was good for the team to feel his presence," presumably in the same way it's good for a young gazelle enjoying an afternoon drink on a riverbank to feel the presence of a nearby crocodile.

"We touched a little bit, of course ..." said Villas-Boas, prompting no shortage of quizzically raised eyebrows, before adding: "... on next year's project but mainly on that [United] game." Villas-Boas failed to clarify whether or not he will feature in next year's project, but with Claudio Ranieri believed to be on borrowed time at Inter having failed to win any of his past four games, Italian newspaper Tuttosport says the stubble-sporting Chelsea manager could lead up the Milan club's project next season should Abramovich decide to show him the Stamford Bridge exit door.

Not for the first time, it's being reported that Daniel Sturridge is frustrated with his particular role in the Chelsea "project" and may leave the club if he isn't moved from his position on the right wing to the more central role he prefers. The Daily Mail say Arsenal have taken "significant steps" towards "a shock summer swoop" for the 22-year-old, which apparently involve chief scout Steve Rowley putting "the wheels in motion".

Having decided against a loan move to Spurs on transfer deadline day, Juventus's Serbian winger Milos Krasic is also being linked with Chelsea, with his Mr 15% having hinted that a move could be on the cards. "Chelsea? They are interested in the player and they are one of the clubs he likes," said Valado Borozan, possibly while holding both thumbs and beaming in the Paul McCartney style.

Apparently determined to hog as much available space as possible in today's Rumours, Chelsea remain interested in Shakhtar Donetsk's 23-year-old Brazilian winger Willian and the Porto striker Hulk, but will face competition from Arsenal in the battle royale to secure the services of Lille's Belgian Rumour Mill loiterer Eden Hazard. Speaking of Belgians, having signed Kevin De Bruyne from Genk in January, only to ship him straight back there on loan, Chelsea will show their boyish new midfielder just how much they appreciate him by sending him to learn at the knee of Steve McClaren at Twente next season.

Meanwhile not in Chelsea, Manchesters City and United are preparing to go toe-to-toe in their efforts to lure Benfica striker Nicolás Gaitan to the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford respectively. An Argentinian international midfielder, Gaitan has impressed for his side in the Champions League this season, having notched up a whopping five assists in the group stages – more than any other player in the competition. Manchester City suits are also suggestively shaking their moneymaker near Real Madrid utility defender Raúl Albiol, in the hope of turning his head and bringing him to the north-west of England.

Expect to see a giant mushroom cloud rising above the Wembley area of London some time on Wednesday, now it has emerged that England manager Fabio Capello has been summoned to FA HQ for the obligatory nice lunch and a stern dressing down from his boss David Bernstein on the subject of his public insubordination over The Armband affair.

And finally, the wine-makers of the Bodega Valentin Bianchi, in the Argentinian province of Mendoza, have unveiled plans to name a range of their hooch after Lionel Messi. The brand will be called Leo and all profits from its sales will go to charitable causes championed by the scurrying goal-getter's charitable foundation. Assorted wine-makers in Spain are now reported to be considering a similar collaboration with one of Messi's Barcelona team-mates. Despite being more robust and full-bodied than Messi, they're confident their Busquets range will go down a lot easier.