Andrii Shevchenko has been given permission by Milan to open talks with Chelsea.

The Ukrainian striker was expected at Stamford Bridge for talks on personal terms, although Chelsea stressed that they had still to finalise terms for a transfer expected.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Andriy Shevchenko has been given permission by AC Milan to travel to London,” a statement on the club’s website said, whilst adding: “An agreement between all parties is still pending.”

Shevchenko scored 173 goals in seven years at Milan. But he announced last week that he would like to move to London for family reasons; namely so that he can learn the language of his English-speaking wife.

Shevchenko will become Chelsea’s third signing of the summer following the capture of Germany captain Michael Ballack, on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, and Salomon Kalou, who yesterday joined from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee.

Kalou, 20, said he is ready to fit in wherever Mourinho opts to play him.

“I will play wherever the trainer tells me to play, I do not complain. I just try to do my best every game,” Kalou said.

“I want to be in a team where I can be a better player, and will do my best to reach the top here.

“I do not expect to play in any position, I will just play where they put me and am going to do my best.

“It was only my second season with Feyenoord and I scored 15 goals, and for someone who plays on the left side that is not too bad.

“But you can always do better and you do not have to be satisfied with what you do. You have to keep working.”

Kalou was voted the best young player in Holland in 2005 and has applied for Dutch citizenship, although his application was not processed in time for him to represent the Holland in the World Cup this summer.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon believes the club bought one for the future in Kalou.

“He has a great record of scoring goals,” Kenyon said. “He is one of the bright young talents – and I think that fits the bill very much.”