I'll do it: Rijkaard will quit Barca in summer and is ready for talks with Chelsea

Sportsmail revealed Chelsea's interest in Rijkaard last October and yesterday the word was that he will quit Barca at the end of the season.

Although Grant still has the backing of owner Roman Abramovich, his position is under close scrutiny following Sunday's Carling Cup Final loss to Tottenham.

Grant is expected to be replaced unless he wins one of the four big trophies this season and the club's attentions are returning to Rijkaard. The Dutchman has won the Spanish league twice and the Champions League in 2006, while his team is widely regarded as the most entertaining in Europe.

He has just over a year left on his contract and had originally intended to take a 12-month sabbatical after five years at the Nou Camp.

But a source close to Rijkaard confirmed yesterday that he would consider shelving those plans if the Chelsea job becomes available.

He said: 'Frank is leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. That has always been the plan and at the moment it is 100 per cent that he will.

'The only thing that could change his mind is if they win the title or the European Cup again and then there would be a decision to be made.

' He's got a year left at Barcelona but in the past he has always said Chelsea are a big club. Of course he would be interested if the job became available.'

Rijkaard is coveted by Abramovich and is understood to be one of two names under consideration, with AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti also in the frame.

Ancelotti and Rijkaard are two of only five people to win the European Cup as players and managers, but the Dutchman is the preferred candidate.

Rijkaard began his coaching career at Sparta Rotterdam and although they were relegated for the first time in their history, he worked in every area of the club, including the ticketing and marketing offices as part of an internship while he was studying for his UEFA coaching qualifications.

It is his commitment to attacking football that has drawn envious glances from Stamford Bridge.

He is also ruthless with his senior players and he demonstrated that streak in last night's Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia by leaving Ronaldinho out of his squad.

Reputations count for little with Rijkaard and he has become one of Europe's most sought-after coaches.

If Chelsea replace Grant at the end of the season, Rijkaard can expect the call to transform their fortunes.

Chelsea first- team coach Henk Ten Cate worked with Rijkaard in Barcelona's European Cup-winning season but his hardline reputation has failed to impress senior Chelsea players. There are various factions forming in the dressing-room but John Terry is determined to rekindle the spirit that made them so successful under Jose Mourinho.

It was Ten Cate's involvement last week that led to an altercation with Terry but the Dutch coach may yet have allies in the Chelsea dressing room.

Chelsea sources revealed yesterday that assistant Steve Clarke and the highly regarded first- team coach Brendan Rogers take most training sessions, while Ten Cate is responsible for 'team shape'.

In complete contrast to his predecessor Mourinho, Grant simply watches from the sidelines and rarely has any input.

Chelsea begin their recovery programme against West Ham on Saturday but the players are not convinced Grant has the stature to turn their season around.