Pick your fancy in the Roman stakes

All over Europe, club owners and chairman are waiting - some in dread, some in tingling anticipation - for the phone call from Stamford Bridge. It probably won't be Roman Abramovich on the end of the line, but it could be Pini Zahavi, Trevor Birch or Claudio Ranieri.

What is beyond dispute is that over the last week Chelsea's new owner has authorised a series of bids and enquiries for some of the best players in Europe.

But how many of the stars linked with Chelsea will actually end up there? Here is our guide to the market.

Glen Johnson
This seems a banker. Chelsea and West Ham have agreed a fee - believed to be between £5-£6million - and all that remains is for personal terms to be agreed. Should not be a problem.
Completion rating: 9/10.

Geremi
Chelsea agreed a £7m fee last night and the Cameroon international seems certain to come - 12 months after a similar deal fell through. The player is currently in discussions over terms.
Completion rating: 8/10

Damien Duff
A name that came out of nowhere this morning when it emerged Chelsea made bids of £12m and £15m for the Blackburn winger. But let's face it, Abramovich's pockets won't be stretched if he has to meet the £20m-plus buy-out clause.
Completion rating: 8/10

Edgar Davids
This is the sort of big-name signing that Abramovich promised last week - when people were still learning how to pronounce his name. Abramovich met Juventus officials yesterday and lodged an £8m bid, which the Italians turned down. Juve say Chelsea will have to pay the moon, and for all we know Abramovich might own that by now too.
Completion rating: 6/10

Christian Vieri
Also discussed during Abramovich's whirlwind trip of northern Italy. This is the striker Chelsea want to lead their attack next season and although their initial bid to Inter Milan - reported to be anywhere between £20-£35m - has been knocked back, Chelsea are likely to return. Vieri has said privately that he expects to move soon. Completion rating: 8/10