Pep Guardiola has knocked back a second offer from Chelsea - and that could give Roberto Di Matteo a real shot at getting the job.
Outgoing Barcelona boss Guardiola has been sounded out again after publicly announcing he would quit the Nou Camp this summer.
But the 41-year-old - who has been offered an incredible £12million-a-year package - remains determined to take a year off.
That is unlikely to deter Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who has made Guardiola his No.1 target - but the latest development does give interim boss Di Matteo a chance.
The Italian has impressed the club's hierarchy since stepping in for the sacked Andre Villas-Boas, steering them to FA Cup Final victory,
They are also still in with a chance of finishing in the top four and are in the Champions League final.
It may mean that Chelsea decide to stick with Di Matteo until Guardiola becomes available, because they have been so impressed with their stand-in boss.
Guardiola, who remains the dream ticket because of his style of play, was first sounded him out in March soon after Villa-Boas was axed.
The ex-Barca midfielder, who will make way for his current No.2 Tito Vilanova at the end of this season, insisted he was not interested - even if it meant becoming the highest-paid manager in the world.
But Chelsea have gone back to try their luck again since Guardiola's decision to stand down two weeks ago.
However, the soundings coming back are that he is determined to take a break.
Chelsea told Guardiola they would back him in the transfer market with huge funds, allowing him to raid Barca's ranks for players.
The Blues have also been knocked back by their former boss Jose Mourinho, who has been offered a contract until 2016 by Real Madrid.
Germany coach Joachim Loew is another contender, but Chelsea's players are becoming more outspoken in their pleas for Di Matteo to be given a chance.
And it seems his hopes are growing.
Source : Mirror.co.uk
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