Chelsea manager Avram Grant will be happy to step aside and allow Frank Rijkaard to take the Stamford Bridge hotseat this summer, according to Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes.

Hughes became close to Grant during the Israeli's tenure as technical director at Fratton Park and the Scotland international envisages no obstacles to current Barcelona boss Rijkaard replacing his friend at the end of the current campaign.

"This will take place with Avram's blessing. He is a modest guy who does not particularly like being in the limelight," Hughes told The Sun.

"He'd be happy to revert to the role where he acts as a link between the coaching staff and the board."

Despite having led Chelsea to the Champions League final and taken the race for the Premier League title to a final decisive day next weekend, speculation has persisted that Grant will be asked to leave come the end of the season.

And Rijkaard, his own future at the Nou Camp in serious doubt after a disappointing season in Catalonia, has emerged as the most likely candidate to replace Grant, who has failed to win over both fans and players since taking over from Jose Mourinho earlier in the season.

Hughes added: "Avram is a student of football. I had countless conversations with him when he was here about Barca, their players and the way they play.

"It is well known Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is an admirer of Barcelona and the football they play.

"He seems to be on a crusade to bring a similar brand of play to Stamford Bridge. A big reason for Jose Mourinho leaving was that [Chelsea owner Roman] Abramovich wanted to see a type of football the Special One was not delivering."

He added: "He is not in it for personal glory and could go about his business outside the limelight."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport