Rafa Benitez could remain in charge of Chelsea next season.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Spaniard is fast winning hearts and minds at both board and terrace level.

Sources at Stamford Bridge have spoken in glowing terms of how he has gone about re-organising the club and how he has handled veteran stars Frank Lampard and John Terry.

Chelsea are still scouring Europe for possible managers to replace him when his interim contract expires at the end of next month.

But some close to the club have been saying not to rule him out.