Rafa Benitez still faces an uphill task to land the Chelsea job long-term. Benitez's current deal runs only to the end of the season and despite an acceptance that Pep Guardiola won't accept a move to Stamford Bridge, Blues officials are still considering alternatives.

The London Evening Standard says Chelsea have also been linked with former coach Jose Mourinho, who will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, and are believed to be keen admirers of Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone.