SportBusiness.com

The Times newspaper reports that there is speculation the club will seek a sponsorship deal with a global brand when the contract expires in 2005.

Chelsea are said to be in negotiations with potential sponsors for a £6million a year multi-year deal to eclipse the current £4million a year agreement with Emirates.

Manchester United’s association with mobile phone network Vodafone is worth £9million a year, while Arsenal’s deal with Vodafone rival O2 is worth slightly more than £3million a year.