Chelsea have made contact with the agent for Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini, according to an ESPN report. The report claims that Roma have already offered Pellegrini the opportunity to take over immediately, with Chelsea nad other clubs also having made inquiries about the 59-year old:
"Chelsea and other clubs have asked, but nothing else official has been said. Manuel would love to manage in the Premier League, but he'd also like to go to Germany, Italy and other championships. There is plenty of time to analyse where he will be next season."
"Manuel has a contract with Malaga. I believe that in April or May we will know clearly what will happen with his future, to see if the sporting project is changing and we need to make a decision. Our first intention is to respect our commitment, but that also depends on the conditions which exist."
The conditions at Malaga aren't likely to be all that great, as they are facing a ban from European competition next season along with the prospect of probably selling several of their better players in order to pay off their debts. It makes sense that the agent would leak quotes like these, as he probably wants to assure that clubs know that he's open to considering a move during the summer.
This should also be excellent news for Chelsea fans as a whole, because despite how you feel about Pellegrini, the fact that were talking to managers not named Rafa Benitez can only be taken as a positive sign. With the possible exception of Avram Grant, I don't think there is really anyone who wouldn't get a rousing ovation from the crowd at Stamford Bridge in their first match replacing the Spaniard.
We've likely made contact with several other managers about our upcoming managerial vacancy, and I'm sure this won't be the last leak we hear. Be excited, because better days are certainly coming.