Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas slept a little more secure last night after Guus Hiddink confirmed he was taking the job at Anzhi.

Speculation Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was considering sending another SOS to Hiddink intensified this week amid reports senior players at Stamford Bridge wanted their former caretaker boss to be brought in to replace the Portuguese, says the Daily Mail.

But if Abramovich had planned to do that, he appears to have waited too long, following claims Hiddink had agreed £12.5million, 18-month deal to take charge of mega-rich Russian club Anzhi.

Hiddink was Abramovich's go-to man three years ago when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked as Chelsea boss, the Dutchman transforming the club's season and winning the FA Cup.

The Blues are in an even worse position now - fifth in the Barclays Premier League - but Villas-Boas has been adamant he retains the full backing of his billionaire boss.