Former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is set to make a rare public appearance on Tuesday in the trial that sees football agent Saif Rubie accused of sending her a threatening email.

The Russian football administrator, a central figure at Chelsea under former owner Roman Abramovich, received an email from Rubie in which he is alleged to have demanded payment for his role in Kurt Zouma’s move from Chelsea to West Ham in 2021. 

Granovskaia, who attended Southwark Crown Court on Monday, is expected to give evidence on Tuesday.

Zouma’s switch to the London Stadium and the amount he was sold for will be crucial in the trial as the jury decide whether the alleged demand for payment from Rubie to Granovskaia was ‘reasonable’.

The court heard that the total fee of the move was £29.1million, including a £4.1m severance payment to Zouma. 

Former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, pictured here back in 2019, was in Southwark Crown Court on Monday

In a further development it also emerged former Chelsea boss Avram Grant is among a host of high profile figures set to figure in proceedings.

Grant, who managed Chelsea for a period between 2007-2008, has historic links to the west London club and its former owner Abramovich.

Former Blues players Antonio Rudiger and Tammy Abraham were also mentioned in court as individuals who could become people of interest in the case.

Leading agents Pini Zahavi, Barry Silkman and Kia Joorabchian were among the intermediaries mentioned in court on Monday as those in line to figure in the trial.

Brentford owner Matthew Benham was also disclosed as a potential contributor to the prosecution’s case but Judge David Tomlinson cast doubts over the businessman’s involvement in the trial.

Rubie has pleaded not guilty. The trial, which could extend into next week, continues.