Reports in the Daily Telegraph say Chelsea have met with a representative of Malaga manager, Manuel Pellegrini with a view to him taking over as manager of the club, once Rafa Benitez departs at the end of the season. Bookmakers have today shortened the odds on Pellegrini becoming the next Chelsea manager to just 2/1. Jose Mourinho remains the odds on favourite but Pellegrini is now a close second.

Pellegrini has previously managed Real Madrid and Villareal, bringing the latter to the Champions League semi-final in their debut season, but has further enhanced his reputation with his stewardship of Malaga during difficult times for the club off the field. Pellegrini brought Malaga to this year’s quarter final, and a semi-final place was denied only by two late goals from Borussia Dortmund.

Jose Mourinho remains favourite for the Stamford Bridge job but reports suggest his initial salary demands, and demands related to level of control of the transfer policy at the club, were dismissed out of hand by the London club.