Benitez keen on Chelsea vacancy

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed his interest in the Chelsea job after he emerged as the favourite to succeed Roberto Di Matteo.

Di Matteo was relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning and Benitez was quickly installed as Sky Bet's early favourite to succeed the Italian.

Benitez, speaking at a coaching seminar in Abu Dhabi before flying to London, told Sport360: "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."

Asked if he had already spoken to Chelsea, he added: "You ask directly, I cannot answer directly.

"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."

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Benitez was reported to have spoken to Chelsea in the summer but backed away as they were only willing to offer a one-year deal, with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola - currently on a sabbatical - tipped to take charge.

But the Spaniard seems more open to the prospect now, saying: "I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days.

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