Avram Grant has plenty of critics but he may also have the man to confront them. Reports in Israel yesterday suggested that the Chelsea first-team coach has offered the job of fitness instructor at Stamford Bridge to Avi Moyal, an Israeli marine who has served as platoon commander in a terror demolition unit, and who has also worked as a bodyguard for Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Dr Moyal served under Grant as a trainer to the Israel team. While his background in the Israeli Army points to a tough physical regime, he is also a motivational speaker. He trained VIP protection units, saw combat in Lebanon and is a specialist in the Israeli martial art of krav maga.

According to the reports from Tel Aviv, Grant is keen to be reunited with Moyal, although Chelsea may have to ask the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to release him from his duties as head of combat fitness.

Grant is attempting to put together a coaching staff after the departure of José Mourinho and all of his Portuguese assistants. He has not had much luck: it was suggested yesterday that Gianfranco Zola had turned down the offer of a place on his backroom staff.

Negotiations are continuing for the recruitment of Henk ten Cate, the Ajax coach, who would have a senior first-team role but still be answerable to Grant.

Ten Cate has said that he will not ask to leave the Dutch side if they are unable to agree a compensation fee to allow him to join Chelsea. He was booed by supporters yesterday as Ajax scored in injury time to salvage a 2-2 draw with Sparta Rotterdam, losing their place to Feyenoord at the top of the Dutch league. Some Ajax supporters chanted: “Ten Cate out”. His position is under threat because of the exit from the Champions League and the Uefa Cup, and his poor relationship with some club officials and players.

Ten Cate is out of contract at the end of the season, but Ajax want compensation worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. “The two clubs are negotiating,” Ten Cate said. “But I won’t try to force my way out.” Ten Cate is a former assistant to Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona. He is thought to have been offered a package at Chelsea worth £2 million a year, more than doubling his wage in Amsterdam.