FORMER LIVERPOOL MANAGER Rafael Benitez has laughed off reports that he has been invited to succeed Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea.

Spaniard Benitez was rumoured to have been approached to take over at Stamford Bridge, with some sources claiming he was reluctant due to the short-term nature of the proposed deal.

But the former Valencia coach has now denied formal negotiations with Chelsea took place.

“I said before, I didn’t want to talk too much about this but it was in the media all the time,” Benitez told Sky Sports.

I didn’t have a proper official offer on the table so it was speculation, rumours and people talking and, as a manager, as I’ve said before, there’s no rush.”

The 51-year-old, who left Inter Milan in December 2011, reiterated his plans to return to management at a club capable of challenging for major honours.

“I want to manage a top side who can fight for trophies,” he said. “So people were linking me directly with Chelsea because of this difficult time for them.

“My idea is always to respect the manager in charge, so (Roberto) Di Matteo is doing a good job, so that’s it from me. I’m just enjoying football, watching games and that’s it.”

Fantasyland: Taught Marcelo Bielsa everything he knows

‘It doesn’t matter who you get’ says Chelsea chief after Euro draw