He was a 50/1 outsider in the market just a couple of weeks ago.
Bookies have dramatically cut odds on Rafael Benitez making a shock return to the Chelsea job. He was priced at 33/1 this morning but has shortened over the course of the day into 4/1 second favourite.
Punters clearly aren’t perturbed by the source of the rumours linking Benitez to the Bridge as 42% of bets on the market today have gone his way.
The Newcastle manager has been embroiled in an ongoing tussle over his contract at St James’ Park, which expires this summer.
Hailed for his efforts at the Toon, the 59-year-old has re-established himself as one of the game’s top managers after a dismal spell at Real Madrid.
The Spaniard of course has previous at Chelsea. He took over as Interim manager at Stamford Bridge for the 2012-13 season, following the controversial sacking of Roberto Di Matteo.
Despite winning the Europa League and guiding the club to third place in the Premier League, Benitez’s time at Chelsea was fraught with backlash from fans who never warmed to the ex-Liverpool manager.
Frank Lampard remains the odds-on favourite at 2/5, with fresh rumours that the Derby boss has had meetings with his beloved old club.
Another notable market mover with history at the club is Jose Mourinho. Once Chelsea's sweetheart, the divisive manager was as short as 10/3 earlier today, but has drifted back to 9/1. He’s the second most backed today with 26% of bets.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “This market just won’t stay out of the news at the moment. Maurizio Sarri’s exit hasn’t even been confirmed yet and we’ve already seen the likes of Frank Lampard, Max Allegri and Javi Gracia heavily linked to his job.
“Benitez and Mourinho both shortening on the same day might be evidence of the rumour mill going a little too far, but it’s enough to attract a barrage of bets on both.”
