Benitez agent denies Chelsea approach

Rafael Benitez’s agent has denied receiving an approach from Chelsea about replacing under-pressure manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The former Liverpool boss has reportedly been targeted by the struggling west London outfit, who sit fifth in the Premier League and are on the brink of Champions League elimination.

However, the 51-year-old manager’s representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, has moved quickly to deny such claims.

“There is nothing official,” Quilon said.

“It’s only media speculation and we have not been approached by Chelsea. We would only evaluate that possibility once there is an offer.”

According to The Times, Benitez had received an approach from Chelsea amid concerns over dressing room unrest at the club, with many senior players thought to be questioning Villas-Boas’s authority.

The former Porto boss admitted senior squad members Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were disappointed not to be included in Chelsea’s starting XI against Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Abramovich’s advisors have reportedly indicated to the tycoon that the damage done to Villas-Boas’ authority among the players is irreversible.

Benitez has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan after a brief spell at San Siro ended in December 2010.