Chelsea want Porto chief Villas-Boas to return

The Blues are seeking to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was unceremoniously axed at the end of last season just 12 months after guiding the West London club to a League and Cup double.

Guus Hiddink, who enjoyed a successful spell as caretaker manager in 2008-09 and continues to hold a close relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, emerged as the leading candidate to return to Stamford Bridge.

However, despite the Blues being said to be ready to meet the £4m compensation demands of the Turkish Football Federation to allow Hiddink’s departure, it appears the veteran Dutchman could be set for a sporting director role rather than going back into hand-ons management.

Villas-Boas, 33, would certainly fit the bill for an up-and-coming coach to work with the first team and is no stranger to Stamford Bridge, having worked there under Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach has seen his stock rise after guiding the Dragons to domestic and Europa League success last season.

Chelsea, though, will not be drawn on any specific candidate. A club spokesman confirmed: “We hope to be able to make an announcement regarding the new manager in the next few days or so, but until then we will not be commenting further on the speculation surrounding that appointment.”

Porto, though, felt it necessary to react to stories in the Portuguese media suggesting a deal had already been done.

In spite of their determination to keep hold of Villas-Boas, president Pinto da Costa admitted they could not prevent him from leaving should certain financial conditions be met. “Villas-Boas has a contract and a clause of 15m euros. If someone deposits 15m euros into our account and he wants to go, we can not do anything because it is something that is contractually specified,” he said.