Louis van Gaal is emerging as a top target for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The Sunday Mirror says the 60-year-old ­Dutchman is ready to return after a year-long sabbatical.

The former Ajax, ­Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager believes he can repeat his track record of success at one more top club - and the Chelsea job has massive ­appeal for him.

Van Gaal is known as a no-nonsense boss who will break any hint of player-power at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is known to want a strong character in charge to handle influential players like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

And Van Gaal would relish that prospect.