Agent: Ranieri has plenty of options

Claudio Ranieri has revealed that he would like to stay in England if, as expected, he is sacked by Chelsea this summer.

The Italian’s position at Stamford Bridge has been under a cloud ever since Roman Abramovich took control, with a whole host of big-name managers being linked with the Blues.

However, Ranieri’s agent has revealed the former Fiorentina, Valencia and Atletico Madrid chief would not be short of options if the axe does fall.

Jon Smith told The Sunday Times: “Claudio is on a good contract at Chelsea, and we are not about to jeopardise that, or any future settlement of it, by making any moves now.

“But if he were to be fired, there are clubs at home and abroad who have indicated their interest in him.

“Should the situation arise, I know he would prefer to stay in this country.”

Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello, Ottmar Hitzfeld and now even Arsene Wenger and Martin O’Neill have been touted as future Chelsea bosses.

Today’s newspapers suggest that Ranieri will lose his job even if the Blues win the Champions League this season.