Di Matteo may snub Chelsea and is interested in Aston Villa job – report

Roberto Di Matteo is interested in taking over at Aston Villa – and will quit Chelsea if he is only offered a one-year deal as manager at Stamford Bridge, according to The Sun.

Villa are looking for a manager after recently sacking Alex McLeish, and former West Brom boss Di Matteo still owns a house in the Midlands.

It is claimed he is troubled by suggestions he may be asked to take on the Blues job for next season to see how he fares– and would refuse such an offer.

There has been speculation that owner Roman Abramovich is looking to make a short-term appointment until he can persuade Pep Guardiola to take charge.

It was recently reported that former England boss Fabio Capello would be prepared to take over on the understanding that Guardiola may succeed him in the next year or two.

The Daily Mail say Chelsea are to offer new contracts to Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Florent Malouda, and are looking to replace Didier Drogba with another Ivorian – CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia.

The Mail also report that Chelsea defender David Luiz is hoping to play for Brazil at this summer’s Olympics.

And the Daily Star claim Arsenal are now in the race to sign Lille’s Belgian starlet Eden Hazard, who is said to be close to a move to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Joey Barton’s 12-match ban has inevitably led to fresh speculation about his future.

The Daily Mirror say he is facing the sack by QPR and is considering appealing against the FA’s punishment.

The Daily Star also suggest Barton will lodge an appeal which, if unsuccessful, could result in the player’s ban being extended to 14 matches.

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