Russian Premier League winner on Chelsea managerial shortlist

Luciano Spalletti is being linked with a shock managerial appointment at Chelsea.

TalkSPORT cite Spanish reports in claiming that the Zenit St Petersburg chief could replace Rafa Benitez at Stamford Bridge, with the ex-Liverpool chief taking charge on an interim basis at the end of November.

Pep Guardiola is the number one choice for Blues owner Roman Abramovich, according to the report, but it’s unclear whether the ex-Barcelona will end his year-long sabbatical with an appointment in west London.

Spalletti has lifted two Russian Premier League titles since taking charge at the Petrovsky Stadium in 2009, helping the GAZPROM-owned club to the crown last season.

However, the former Roma chief is considering his position at Zenit, according to the report, after failing to progress from the Champions League group stages.

Chelsea also failed to reach the knockout phase of the competition, despite lifting the trophy last season, and Abramovich has now been ‘alerted’ to the Italian’s availability.

The 53-year-old is now on the Chelsea shortlist, talkSPORT claim.