Mega-rich Anzhi plotting late deal for Chelsea outcast

Anzhi Makhachkala are ready to offer Florent Malouda a Chelsea escape route - just as he has come in from the cold at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman has been an outcast at the club ever since Roberto Di Matteo told him he had no future there. And it was reported last month that interim boss Rafa Benitez has not even met with the 32-year-old, despite being almost two months into his Chelsea tenure.

Even though being told he is free to leave Stamford Bridge, however, the winger was included in Chelsea's revised 25-man squad submitted after January's transfer window - hinting he might still have a role to play at the club.

Mega-rich Anzhi, however, want to land Malouda before their window shuts later this month.

According to reports in Russia, they will offer Chelsea £1m and hand the 2010 Double winner an 18-month contract in Dagestan.