Fabio Capello denies rumours he is set to replace Rafael Benitez at Chelsea

Former England manager linked with role at Chelsea amid unrest at Stamford Bridge

Fabio Capello (GETTY IMAGES)

Fabio Capello has denied rumours he will replace Rafael Benitez at Chelsea.

Over the weekend, stories circulated in Capello's native Italy that he was being lined up to replace the under siege Spaniard at Stamford Bridge.

Ever since last week's outburst in which Benitez expressed his anger at the board and sections of Blues fans, there has been talk that the Chelsea 'interim' boss will be asked to leave before his contract expires at the end of the season, at which point he is certain to go.

Various managers have been linked with replacing him in the short term, including Avram Grant. However, Capello emerged as a leading contender over the weekend.

Currently the manager of the Russian national team, drafting in Capello would have echoes of the decision to bring in Guus Hiddink in February 2009. Hiddink was then the manager of Russia and combined his duties until the end of the season in a stint which saw the Blues win the FA Cup.

Yet Capello has moved to end the speculation.

"I have not received an offer," he told an Italian radio station. "I am thinking about the Russian national team, and I feel very happy in Moscow."