Currently without a job, Benítez has built a good track record at Valencia and Liverpool, although his reputation took a hit following a brief and unsuccessful spell at Internazionale. The Spaniard was the bookies’ favourite to replace the former Chelsea boss André Villas-Boas, who was sacked earlier this year, after reports of contact with the club, but a lack of recent activity might count against him.
Odds: 8-11 Photograph: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The former Barcelona manager has long been rumoured as the ideal candidate for the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Not only does Guardiola boast an impressive CV – in four years with the Catalan giants he won three Primera Division titles and the Champions League twice – but he was also the mastermind behind their much admired style of free-flowing football. The former Spain international is currently on a year-long sabbatical from football.
Odds: 2-1 Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian
Redknapp was considered one of the contenders when Villas-Boas was sacked but was thought to be involved in a club-versus-country tug of war between Tottenham and England. However, the Football Association instead appointed Roy Hodgson and Spurs unceremoniously sacked the 65-year-old despite him leading the London club to fourth in the Premier League last season. His credentials are unquestioned and he will find backing from at least one man at the club – nephew Frank Lampard.
Odds: 5-1 Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images
The Dutchman would have been an overwhelming favourite for the post if he was not at the ambitious Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. He previously stepped into the breach when the Blues parted company with Luiz Felipe Scolari and made a big impression on the playing staff, while maintaining positive relations with Abramovich. Should there be a get-out clause in his Anzhi contract, Chelsea would surely be willing to pay.
Odds: 25-1 Photograph: VI-Images via Getty Images
The self-styled ’Special One’ was the longest-serving manager at Chelsea under Abramovich and brought them their first Premier League title in 50 years in the 2004-05 season. However, his defensive brand of football left him at odds with the owner and, following a poor run of results at the start of the 2007-08 season, he left the club by mutual consent. Mourinho went on to win the league, cup and Champions League treble with Internazionale before joining Real Madrid. Mourinho is believed to be unsatisfied at the Bernabéu, however, and has long made it known that he wants a return to the Premier League.
Odds: 25-1 Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian
