Chelsea have reportedly made a sensational swoop for Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Blues have targeted the out-of-favour Dutch hitman after United registered their interest in Stamford Bridge star Eidur Gudjohnsen.

According to a British newspaper report, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon - formerly in charge at Old Trafford - met van Nistelrooy's agent Roger Linse in Paris last Wednesday.

And the tabloid claims the pair agreed personal terms on a deal.

According to reports on Sunday a deal for van Nistelrooy wouldn't stop Roman Abramovich splashing out close to £50million on AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko as well. A decision on his future is due to be announced this week.

Meanwhile the Blues remain in talks with Real Madrid's Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos.

A Chelsea insider said: "Jose (Mourinho) would alter the structure of his entire side if he could bring in van Nistelrooy and Shevchenko. They would not only terrorise the Premier League but the whole of Europe as well."

Van Nistelrooy's five-year stint at Old Trafford appears to be over after a miserable second half of this season.

First he lost his place to Louis Saha for the Carling Cup final in Cardiff, and then saw even youngster Giuseppe Rossi preferred to him for the Premiership finale against Charlton.

Milan giants AC and Inter have both been linked with a move for the prolific 29-year-old.

United would clearly prefer to sell van Nistelrooy abroad, but the possibility of a swap deal sending Gudjohnsen north may spark a deal with Chelsea.

Alex Ferguson is a long-term admirer of the Icelandic ace, who made only 16 appearances during Chelsea's second consecutive title-winning season. PA