Rafael Benitez has reportedly been seen boarding a plane from Abu Dhabi bound for London's Heathrow Airport.

The former Liverpool manager was due to carry out some punditry work in the Middle East and take part in some football workshops.

However, following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo as Chelsea manager earlier today, Benitez was instantly installed as the favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge.

A report earlier today claimed that the 52-year-old Spaniard was going to end his media commitments early in order to fly to London for talks with the Blues.

The alleged sighting of Benitez heading for the English capital has now resulted in the odds of Benitez becoming Chelsea's ninth manager under Roman Abramovich ownership being slashed to 1/8.