Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has assured technical chief Michael Emenalo his role won't be watered down following the arrival of Jose Mourinho.

The Mail on Sunday says Emenalo is said to have offered to resign once Mourinho was confirmed as the new manager, presumably sensing conflict.

Abramovich turned that offer down and insists Emenalo is still in charge of player recruitment. So players such as midfielder Andre Schurrle, for whom negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen are under way, were chosen by Emenalo, as was the new Brazilian right-back, Wallace.