Roberto Mancini is the clear favourite with Betfair customers at just over 2-1 in the betting for the next Chelsea manager after the market took another twist today.

The former Italian international was reported to have been fired by Inter Milan yesterday in a move that should pave the way for Jose Mourinho to take the helm in the blue half of the San Siro.

Mancini, who has been backed at 28-1, is now said to be on a shortlist for the vacant position at Stamford Bridge with Mark Hughes (5-1), Luis Scolari (7-1) and Frank Rijkaard (8-1).

Alongside Mourinho (out to 69-1), Guus Hiddink has been the big drifter in the market – from a low of 11-4 the Dutch manager is now available to back at 14-1.

Didier Deschamps, Sven Goran Eriksson and Carlo Ancelotti lead the second division of contenders for the club that ‘does not accept second best’

Next Chelsea manager – Betfair Bet: 2-1 Roberto Mancini; 5-1 Mark Hughes; 7-1 Luis Scolari; 8-1 Frank Rijkaard; 14-1 Guus Hiddink; 19-1 Sven Goran Eriksson; 23-1 Carlo Ancelotti; 26-1 Didier Deschamps; 43-1 Michael Laudrup; 49-1 Marcelo Lippi; 64-1 Marco Van Basten; 69-1 Jose Mourinho.