Report: Chelsea open talks with Pellegrini

Posted Friday, April 19, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Chelsea are in talks with Manuel Pellegrini about the manager's job at Stamford Bridge, according to reports in England.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is on the hunt for a successor to current interim manager Rafa Benitez, who is set to leave the club when his contract ends in the summer.

Jose Mourinho, David Moyes, Diego Simeone and Jurgen Klopp have all rumoured to be on the Russian billionaire's shortlist, but it is current Malaga coach Pellegrini who has emerged to be a favourite to land the job at Stamford Bridge.

According to news sources in the UK, a meeting is believed to have taken place in Paris last Friday with Pellegrini's representative to discuss whether Pellegrini would be interested in taking over the club this summer.

Pellegrini is reported to have a €4million buy-out clause in his contract which runs until the end of next season, but Malaga are in a difficult financial situation, with Pellegrini's agent Jesus Martinez claiming last week that the club have been late in terms of wage payments.

The Chilean has a proven track record in Spanish football, where he guided Villarreal to a Champions League semi-final, built the core of the current Real Madrid side and guided Malaga to the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League. His ability to speak English is also noted and his intent to play open, attractive football - features which attract the Chelsea hierarchy.

Chelsea are expected to make a further move for their selected candidate once they confirm their qualification for Champions League football next season.

The Blues are currently third in the Barclays Premier League table after Wednesday's 3-0 win over Fulham - a point ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal with a game in hand.