Peter Kenyon Man Utd chief 'to join Chelsea' Kenyon would be Chelsea's latest new recruit Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon is reported to be leaving the club to join Premiership rivals Chelsea, according to the London Evening Standard newspaper. The newspaper's assistant editor Simon Greenberg told BBC Radio 5 Live that he was "absolutely positive" the deal had been agreed, although both clubs have declined to comment. Kenyon is set to become the latest arrival at Chelsea following the takeover of the club by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Chelsea's summer transfer spree has seen them spend more than £111m on players. It is uncertain how soon Kenyon would be able to take over at Stamford Bridge as he is privy to the most intimate business dealings of their rivals. PETER KENYON 1997: Joins Man Utd as deputy chief executive 2000: Becomes chief executive. Seals £30m sponsorship deal with Vodafone 2001: New deal for Sir Alex Ferguson. Signs Juan Sebastian Veron (£28m) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19m) 2002: Signs Rio Ferdinand for £30m 2003: Sells David Beckham to Real Madrid Managing director David Gill would be best-placed to replace Kenyon at Old Trafford, either in the short-term or for a longer period. Kenyon took over from Martin Edwards at Old Trafford in August 2000 and was instrumental in persuading manager Sir Alex Ferguson to extend his stay at the club. He also presided over the signings of Juan Sebastian Veron, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rio Ferdinand, as well as giving the go-ahead for David Beckham to join Real Madrid. Under his guidance the profile of the club was enhanced with tours to the Far East and the United States. He also played a key part in the negotiations which saw United link up with sponsors Vodafone and Nike, and helped set up their association with the New York Yankees baseball team. I really don't know what to expect next from Chelsea! From JF DI Have your say on 606 Born in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, Kenyon has been a Manchester United fan since his father took him to see the 1968 European Cup Final at Wembley. He made his name with sports manufacturers Umbro - Chelsea's current kit suppliers - and had been groomed for his role at United since he joined them as deputy chief executive in May 1997. Earlier this summer Kenyon insisted he was not concerned at Chelsea's big spending under Abramovich. "In some ways, a 'buy everything' policy can create problems when you are recruiting players purely for financial reasons," said Kenyon. WHAT NEXT ???
