Former Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez is among the front runners to become the new boss of Chelsea after confirming his interest in the vacancy.

Roberto Di Matteo was relieved of his duties following a 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League and Sky Sports believe that Benitez is the number one target.

Benitez is in Abu Dhabi where he is attending a coaching seminar, but before he flew back to London he admitted his interest in the post.

“I have just found out about Di Matteo. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it goes in this category,” he told Sport360.

“In football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the next few days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs.”

The Spaniard had spoken to Chelsea over the summer about the then vacant job but was believed not to be happy with just the one year contract on offer, especially as Pep Guardiola, who is on a one year sabbatical, is believed to be Chelsea’s main target after leaving the Camp Nou.

It is a different situation now however and despite the former Barcelona boss still being in the frame, Benitez seems open to the possibility of acting as an interim manager till the Summer.

“I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days," he added.

“But I am just trying to go to a team that can win. So we will find ways to have a challenge like this.”

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