With the new found wealth at Man City have they got enough to compete with Chelsea when the pair meet this weekend?

Chelsea have refused on Friday to accept the resignation of assistant coach Steve Clarke and denied West Ham permission to talk to him.

West Ham have asked to speak to Clarke with a view to him joining new manager and former Chelsea team mate Gianfranco Zola.

“Chelsea can confirm that West Ham have made an approach with regards to talking to Steve Clarke. They have not been given permission to talk to him,” the club said in a statement.

“Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation as assistant first team coach. We have not accepted his resignation. Talks are continuing.”

Clarke has spent 20 years at Stamford Bridge as a player and coach.

Zola, who spent seven years at Chelsea, took over at West Ham this week following the resignation of Alan Curbishley.

With the new found wealth at Man City have they got enough to compete with Chelsea when the pair meet this weekend?