Jose to let Crespo go

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed he is allowing Hernan Crespo to leave.

Crespo is looking to depart Stamford Bridge to return to Italy and Mourinho is ready to grant the striker his wish.

The former Lazio ace returned to Chelsea last summer after a successful loan spell at Milan in the 2004/2005 season.

Crespo has never his hidden his desire to return to Italy and it seems almost certain the Argentine international will move back to Serie A.

"Hernan is a Chelsea player, but he's never hidden the fact that his wish is to return to Italy," Mourinho told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He has always been very correct. I have allowed him to go, from Monday he will be with the Argentina national team.

"We will evaluate the alternatives."

Mourinho is already drawing up plans to replace Crespo with Andrei Shevchenko and Samuel Eto'o thought to be among his list of targets.

Eto'o has been continually linked with a move to Chelsea, while Shevchenko has been a long-term transfer target due to his close relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea's hopes of landing Shevchenko have increased with the news that the Ukrainian star is considering a move away from Milan.

Mourinho has confirmed he is close to sealing a deal for Germany's Michael Ballack and a new forward is his top priority.

"Either you find young players with great potential or you point towards world-class players like Ballack," added Mourinho.

"Ballack should sign. We are looking for a forward and it's normal that Shevchenko and Eto'o's names are mentioned. We will see what happens."

Mourinho also admitted he would like to manage in Italy at some point in the future.

The Portuguese tactician still has four years to run on his current contract and he insists he has no plans to leave Chelsea in the near future.

"I've never changed my mind. After Chelsea I want to coach in Italy," said Mourinho.

"But I have no intention to leave tomorrow. I am under contract with Chelsea until June 2010."