[goldenHuddlestone]

Avram Grant would be given a clear path to join Chelsea should the Premiership champions decide to move for his services in a bid to get more from unsettled striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Grant, technical director at Fratton Park, is the Israeli at the centre of unconfirmed suggestions that Chelseas billionaire owner Roman Abramovich wanted to appoint him and ditch Steve Clarke.

Those allegations were firmly denied by coach Jose Mourinho last week who also claimed any move to axe his right-hand man would bring about the end of his reign at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho has still not pledged to remain at the club longer than the end of the season and the stir caused by rumours that Grant could be heading to Chelsea, did not help to smooth over the already widening cracks between the coach and the board.

But now Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has opened the debate yet further by admitting he would not prevent Grant from moving to Chelsea.

Redknapp has enjoyed working with the former Israel national team coach since his arrival and he said: "If Avram wants to go, it will be his decision. But I havent got a problem with Avram. Hes a nice person. Hes been as good as gold. I enjoy having him here - talking to him and being with him. I dont think anyone here could be upset with him in any shape or form. Hes got a lot of experience and talks a lot of common sense about the game."

Mourinho, however, would not take too kindly to any move to bring the Israeli into his fold and wants Shevchenko to work harder to regain the form which prompted Chelsea to pay £30million for his services from AC Milan last summer.