Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich watched his expensively assembled side train Tuesday as he continued to keep an eye on the regime of manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The Russian billionaire made what is thought to be his first training-ground visit of the season on Saturday, spending more than half an hour watching the preparations for Sunday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester United and 20 minutes speaking with Villas-Boas.

Chelsea have denied reports the duo were involved in 'showdown' talks, following a report Abramovich, who is estimated to have invested pounds 1 billion of his own fortune into the London club, had become frustrated with results that have left them 14 points behind leaders Manchester City.