Milan coach Ancelotti in talks with Chelsea

ROME - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti appears to have had contacts with Chelsea about a possible move to England, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Tuesday.

The Milan newspaper said that Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian veteran who last summer returned to Milan after two season at Chelsea, acted as interpreter between the coach and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

The Russian oil magnate could offer Ancelotti a three-year contract worth 5 million euros ($7 million) per season.

Despite growing rumours about his farewell in Milan after nine seasons with the Devils, Ancelotti last week denied to have talked recently with the London club.

“I did it last year, not this year,” he said. “I’m the coach of Milan until June 2010.”

Club owner Silvio Berlusconi said Monday that “Milan have not yet chosen their coach.”

Berlusconi said he considers Ancelotti a family member and a truly serious person.

“We’ll sit down at the end of the season (Sunday) to take the best decisions for him and for Milan,” said Berlusconi.

Ancelotti, 49, steered Milan to one Serie A title, two Champions League titles and one World Club Championship.

The Devils Sunday visit Fiorentina in a crucial season-ending league match in which they aim to secure direct access into the next European Champions League.