Ukraine striker Andrei Shevchenko has delayed making his decision on his club future.

The striker was due to announce his decision today, but has delayed it until he has spoken properly to the AC Milan president Adriano Galliani.

AC Milan have offered Shevchenko a new two-year extension to his contract in an effort to put Premiership champions Chelsea off signing him.

Jose Mourinho is determined to bring the Ukrainian to Stamford Bridge, but the Portuguese manager has accepted they have a major battle on their hands.

Shevchenko is currently contracted to AC Milan until 2009, and if the Ukranian striker did sign an extended deal it would mean that Chelsea have effectively lost their man.

Shevchenko recently admitted that he was considering his options, and played down suggestions that he had already opted for a move to the Premiership, saying: "As I have said before, I have never stated that I have decided to go to Chelsea.

"I only said that I was evaluating that possibility for family reasons and to organise my future.

"I am evaluating every possibility. My time at Milan is special. The fans are special. And everyone in Milan is special. I have been able to learn a different type of football, to win and to win the Balon D'Or (European Player of the Year)."

Shevchenko is expected to meke his final decision in the next few days.

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