Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly been told by Roman Abramovich that his job as Chelsea boss is safe.

Observers have been anticipating the Portuguese manager getting the axe following the Blues' disappointing form this season.

Despite a mid-season standing of fourth in the Premier League, Abramovich is backing Villas-Boas to overhaul the Chelsea team come the summer, according to The Sun.

Villas-Boas has reportedly been given the go-ahead to conduct a changing room shake-up in the off season, meaning that old heads such as Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou could follow Nicolas Anelka and Alex in leaving Stamford Bridge.

Abramovich's apparent faith in Villas-Boas comes in contrast to past Chelsea managers Luiz Felipe Scolari, Claudio Ranieri and Avram Grant, who were shown the door when senior players expressed their discontent.

Chelsea are currently 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City.