Scolari top of the Chelsea hit list after 'secret talks' with his agent

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Portugal boss Scolari's agent Gilmar Veloz says he has been sounded out by Chelsea chief executive Kenyon who wants a top manager with a proven track record to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

Reports in the Mirror suggest Veloz has told close friends that he has met with Kenyon and that Chelsea are very keen on Scolari.

He's got balls: Scolari is wanted by Chelsea as the annual hunt for the ex-Brazil boss gets under way again

Scolari is determined not to make any public statement on his future and is likely to deny any contact with Chelsea because he claims it will upset Portugal's preparations for Euro 2008.

However, Portugal FA chief Gilberto Madail accepts that the Brazilian-born boss will quit after the tournament to take up one of the top club jobs in Europe.

Veloz has been given the green light to begin negotiations - and Chelsea are ready to switch their focus to Scolari after missing out on other targets.

Chelsea have looked at Jurgen Klinsmann, Mark Hughes, Carlo Ancelotti and Roma coach Luciano Spalletti in their quest for a top boss.

Jewel in the crown: Scolari with Portugal star Ronaldo

However, they are now ready to focus on the World Cup-winning former Brazil boss to replace Avram Grant.

Scolari, 59, is regarded as a disciplinarian and has masterminded victories over England in the last three major tournaments.

He has a superb CV but is determined not to go public on his future until after Euro 2008 - and that could be a major sticking point for Chelsea who do not want to wait until the end of June before appointing a new manager.

Scolari pulled out of the running to be England boss in 2006 because he did not want to commit himself to another job while still being in charge of Portugal going into the World Cup.

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra made a move for him but was not prepared to wait - and went for Hughes instead.

Chelsea appear to be going for one of the biggest names and reputations in football but the negotiations are unlikely to be easy.

Scolari could also command a top salary of £5million-plus but his record has convinced members of the Blues hierarchy he will be worth his weight in gold.