Rafa Benitez has been told to forget the idea he might be the man to replace Carlo Ancelotti should the Italian leave Chelsea.

The former Liverpool boss has made it clear through his representatives that he would be open to a move to Stamford Bridge if Ancelotti moves on.

But Roman Abramovich has no interest in recruiting Benitez, who has been out of work since he was sacked by Inter Milan in December, six months after losing his job at Anfield.
The 51-year-old Spaniard won the Champions League with Liverpool six years ago and was in charge of the Merseysiders during an epic sequence of European duels with Chelsea when he became locked in a bitter feud with Jose Mourinho.

These memories, together with his reputation for cautious football and boardroom power struggles, count against him in the eyes of Abramovich, who has been considering his options since Chelsea lost at Manchester United in the Champions League.
Ancelotti still has a year left on his contract and has revived Chelsea's form since last month's Europe exit but his best chance of keeping his job seems to hinge on Abramovich failing to find a successor to his liking.

The Russian's top choice is Guus Hiddink but there are complications because the Dutchman is working for Turkey and reluctant to return to full-time management at the age of 64.