Chelsea denies looking to replace Grant

Club "totally refutes" British reports that club is eyeing Netherlands coach Marco van Basten.

avram grant 248 88 ap (photo credit: AP [file])
avram grant 248 88 ap
(photo credit: AP [file])
Chelsea has dismissed speculation that it had already tried to replace coach Avraham Grant with a more high-profile manager. The club on Wednesday denied British media reports that Grant would only be in charge until Chelsea could secure a more well-known manager, and was trying to recruit Netherlands coach Marco van Basten. "Contrary to media reports this morning, Chelsea Football Club totally refute that the job of manager or first team coach has been offered to any individual other than Avraham Grant," Chelsea said in a statement. "No one at Chelsea FC has been authorized to speak to any individual about the post, either by the board or the owner." Van Basten, a former striker with Ajax and AC Milan, attended Chelsea's 2-0 loss at Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, sitting close to Blues owner Roman Abramovich. Grant took charge of Chelsea after Jose Mourinho left the club on Wednesday. Grant had been director of soccer at the Blues.