Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to swing the axe on manager Andre Villas-Boas. The Daily Star says Abramovich is ready to turn to former England boss Fabio Capello in the long term - working with Republic of Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli as his No.2 - if the Chelsea slump continues.

But former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been sounded out on trying to save Chelsea's season in the short-term.

The Spaniard looked like he was prepared to accept a deal until the end of the season, but now he has rocked the club by insisting on a longer-term 18-month contract.