Sigi Lens, the agent of the Ajax coach, revealed last night: "It's true we have an agreement with Chelsea.

"It's an opportunity for him, a challenge to work with a big team and to work with Avram Grant to build a new team. Chelsea want to take him now so if there is an agreement between the two clubs, everything will be clear."

Ten Cate has a year left on his contract and the issue of compensation is the only thing preventing him from joining Chelsea now. That, however, is sure to be thrashed out during the international break.

Lens added: "It's a big opportunity for Henk with big players. I've known him a long time. You can see how he plays the game tactically.

"Look at Ajax last year. The season before they finished fifth and with Henk they were joint top and only lost out on the title by one goal.

"Chelsea have spoken to Henk about the matter. There was a conversation and both the manager and Henk are on the same wavelength.

"They invited Henk to a meeting to talk about technical matters and ask how he sees things and how he wants to play and that was good."