Chelsea make move for Kalou

Chelsea are set to seal a deal for Feyenoord forward Salomon Kalou.

Blues chief Jose Mourinho has been monitoring Kalou for a number of months and now the English champions have finally made their move.

Kalou has been looking to claim Dutch nationality and that meant Chelsea were looking to a deal and then let him stay at De Kuip on loan - in order for him to gain his passport.

However, the 20-year-old has now given up on his hope of playing for De Oranje and that has paved the way for a move this summer.

Chelsea made an official move on Thursday, after which point Feyenoord gave Kalou permission to travel to London.

"Anticipating the possible departure, we have given Salomon an authorisation to talk with Chelsea," Feyenoord marketing director Chris Woerts confirmed.

"We have been in talks with this club over Kalou for some time.

"It's going in the right direction but he still hasn't reached an agreement yet. Chelsea sees in Kalou an exceptional talent."

The two clubs are yet to finalise terms - although that is seen as a formality, and Kalou could be unveiled as early as next week.

Chelsea are ready to offer Kalou - who can play up-front or on either wing - a four or five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The move will be subject to a work-permit and because Kalou does not meet current criteria, the decision will have to go to appeal when Chelsea will hope they are given the green-light to complete his signing.