Chelsea have reportedly lined up former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to become Andre Villas-Boas's replacement if the club decide to axe the Portuguese coach.

The former Porto boss has been under pressure in recent weeks following a dismal period in the Blues' campaign, which has resulted in the London side dropping out of the top four in the Premier League.

Despite Villas-Boas claiming that his job is safe, Chelsea have one eye on Benitez if owner Roman Abramovich decides to call time on the 34-year-old's career at Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Mail.

Reports have suggested that the Spanish coach is open to a return to Premier League management following his departure from Inter Milan over a year ago.

Benitez may be an attractive candidate for the former English champions due to his ability to get the best out of striker Fernando Torres during his time at Liverpool.

Since the Spanish frontman made the switch from Merseyside last year, he has only been able to find the net five times in a Chelsea shirt.