Spalletti - New Chelsea boss?

Luciano Spalletti, the AS Roma manager, has emerged as the new favourite to succeed Avram Grant as the next Chelsea boss. He has been a favourite since Carlo Ancelotti snubbed an offer from Abramovich.

The hottest job in the world has a new favourite - Luciano Spalletti. He was one of the favourites of Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, though not a frontrunner until Ancelotti snubbed the deal.

Abramovich had approached AC Milan boss, Carlo Ancelotti, to take over at Stamford Bridge and reports suggested that they met with his representatives in a hotel in Paris. But, Ancelotti pledged his future with AC Milan and brushed the claims of him being new Chelsea boss as "fantasy football". He said that he has "150 per cent" commitment towards the the Milan club and he wants to remain at San Siro for the coming years.

The latest reports from London suggest that another Italian, Luciano Spalletti is the new favourite for the job. Roma had a great season under his spell and they transformed into a champion club threatening to win the Serie A last season, taking Inter Milan to the final round of matches before they won the Serie A.

Spalleti rose to fame in 2006, when he was declared as the Coach of the Year, and has gained huge popularity among fan, players and fellow managers. He is known to play exciting brand of attacking football and is known as a master tactician.

Roma had been playing in great form in the last season, in Italy and in Europe, and they defeated Real Madrid in both the legs. They lost only to Manchester United, the eventual champions.

The Italian coach lacks English language skills, and it might be a roadblock to his appointment. More over, Roma will be reluctant let their prized asset go.

The sources from italy say that, the club's parent company, Italpetroli are said to have debts in the region of £300M. With Roman Abramovich financial strengths might be enough to convince the Roman club.

Although Spalletti seems to be the frontrunner after Ancelotti's snub, Chelsea are keenly interested in the availability of Portugese international coach, Luis Felipe Scolari. Scolari is a highly rated manager, and they will have to wait until after Euro 2008 to get a reply from him. Another international manager, Russia boss Guus Hiddink had ruled out a move to Stamford Bridge.

Roberto Mancini and Frank Rijkaard had openly declared their interest in the job.

The Telegrah rates Spalletti as the best man for the job. According to their reports, the odds on Spalletti is 7/2 and that on Rijkaard is 9/2 and Mancini has 4/1.