Report: Blackburn Rovers target Rafel Benitez as manager

Blackburn Rovers are eyeing Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez as their number one target to replace the sacked Michael Appleton, according to a report.

Appleton was ousted at Ewood Park after just 67 days at the club and reportedly found about his sacking via television before he was handed a letter from Shebby Singh by a club receptionist.

According to The Mirror, Rovers have now targeted Benitez, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, to try to get the club back into the Premier League.

With nine games left in the Championship this season, Blackburn are 18th, just four points clear of the relegation zone.