The Italian coach officially started work today following his appointment as permanent successor after Guus Hiddink's successful caretaker reign at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are closing in on their first major signing of the Ancelotti era with a reported £18million deal for the versatile Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow.

The Blues will travel to the United States as part of their pre-season preparations, including games against Ancelotti's former club AC Milan as well as a reunion with their former manager Jose Mourinho when Chelsea face Inter Milan at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on July 21.

German midfielder Ballack, 32, insists the group's sights are already on ending 2010 as champions of both England and Europe.

"We have to focus on this again, that is for sure. We are hungry to win the title back," Ballack told Chelsea TV.

"There is also a big target in Europe again, because that is what we want to do as well.

"Chelsea are a big team with a lot of international players, and they want to win the Champions League."

As well as their more high-profile moves in the transfer market, Chelsea are also reported to be close to completing a deal for young goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, out of contract at Middlesbrough, while the fee for Daniel Sturridge, the Manchester City forward, will be decided by a tribunal.

Paris St Germain playmaker Stephane Sessegnon, meanwhile, claims Chelsea are one of a number of Premier League clubs chasing his signature.