Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly agreed in principle to become the Chelsea boss in the summer.

The capture of the Spaniard is believed to be Blues owner Roman Abramovich's number one priority, despite appointing ex-Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as the club's interim coach yesterday.

It is understood that Guardiola is open to moving to Stamford Bridge and will be made the highest-paid manager in the world with a contract worth £15m a year, according to the Daily Mail.

The 41-year-old is currently in New York with his family on a year's sabbatical.