Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos is set to join Chelsea for £20m, according to the Spanish club’s director of football Jorge Valdano.

The 31-year-old is reportedly set to sign a deal which will see his wages double to £120,000 per week.

“We’re waiting for a fax from Chelsea confirming they will pay the £20m fee in order to complete the deal,” Valdano told Spanish daily sports paper AS.

Carlos, however, has been sending out mixed messages about his future.

BBC report that he was quoted in Brazil as saying that he was about to leave. However, after Real’s 4-1 defeat by Real Sociedad last Sunday he seemed to change his mind.

“I want to stay at Real Madrid and I think my situation will be sorted out in the next 20 days,” he said.

“I am certain I will be here next season. I need a rest now, because I have had a lot of years playing a lot of games.

“I will go home to Brazil on Tuesday, my lawyer will call the club and he will sort things out.”

Alan Smith is being tipped to complete a £7m transfer from Leeds to Manchester United on Wednesday. Smith has also been linked with Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

BBC report that Leeds had earlier dismissed claims that a deal had already been agreed to sell the striker to their rivals.

But the transfer, which could see Danny Pugh head the other way, is expected to be announced to the Stock Exchange once Smith has completed a medical.

Leeds rejected bids of £3.5m and £5.5m from United last week and were waiting for United to match their valuation.

Everton had made a £7m bid for Smith, while Liverpool, Newcastle and Middlesbrough were also believed to be chasing the forward.

But Smith is thought to want a move to United, with the prospect of Champions League football to look forward to.

After Gerard Houllier’s exit from Liverpool, a number of candidates have been mentioned.

According to reports in several newspapers, the Reds will wait to see whether Porto coach Jose Mourinho moves to Chelsea or not before making a decision on a new manager.

The Daily Telegraph report that Charlton manager Alan Curbishley is the preferred candidate among the Liverpool board with a meeting having taken place last month.

Valencia’s manager Rafa Benitez has also been linked with the vacant job at Anfield.

Liverpool Chief Executive Rick Parry has commented the departure of manager Gerard Houllier.

Parry said to liverpoolfc.tv: “After considerable thought and discussion the Board have decided to part company with the Manager and Gerard has accepted this with typical good grace.

“We always said we would review our position at the end of the season and that is what we have now done. Although we have reached the Champions League, that is a minimum standard and not a goal. For a variety of reasons the Board decided that change was necessary if we were to realistically challenge for the title next season.

“But this is not a day for anger, recrimination or speculation. It is a day for dignity and respect and I want to publicly thank Gerard for his considerable achievements during his time in charge at the club.

“We all have very fond memories of the historic treble and the other trophies won. But there were many other special occasions and I personally will never forget the reception given to Gerard after he returned from illness for the Champions League game against Roma. We had many good times together.

“Gerard changed things off the pitch too, bringing back both our pride and self-respect and instilling discipline and professionalism throughout the club.

“Whatever has happened today, he will always be a friend of the club and welcome at Anfield.

“Now we start the search for a new manager – today is the end of a chapter and tomorrow the start of another.”