Roberto Di Matteo to Be Named Permanent Chelsea Manager

BBC has reported that Roberto Di Matteo, named interim Chelsea manager in March after the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas, has agreed "in principle" to become the Blues' permanent manager for next season.

Di Matteo's representatives met with Chelsea officials over the weekend, and it is believed that owner Roman Abramovich lent his assurance that he wanted Di Matteo for the post.

The only issue remaining for the Swiss-born former Italian international is the matter of a contract.

It is believed that Di Matteo favors a long-term deal, which he believes would grant him greater authority over decision-making at the club.

BBC believes that he will get his wish, with a clause inserted that would allow the two parties to part ways after 12 months.

Di Matteo was one of the biggest reasons behind Chelsea's revival in the latter stages of the season. While the club finished a disappointing sixth in the league standings, they captured the FA Cup while losing just three of their final 21 matches—all competitions combined.

The crown jewel of his three-month spell as manager, however, was winning the first Champions League trophy in club history, finally granting Abramovich the winner's medal he so desperately craved.

It spoke to Di Matteo's powers of man management and industry.

Chelsea were able to defeat Barcelona over two legs in the semifinal before defeating Bayern Munich in what was essentially a home match for the Bavarian side at the Allianz Arena.

That accomplishment, coupled with Di Matteo's popularity among the Chelsea players, looks to have helped improve his standing in the Russian oligarch's eyes.

Now it appears only a matter of time before an announcement is made introducing him as the newest Chelsea manager. It is believed that club officials wish to wait until the Italian returns to London before presenting him.