Chelsea tonight reiterated their support for manager Jose Mourinho and refuted reports they have drawn up a list of possible replacements for the Portuguese.

Reports had linked Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi with a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Lippi has a hugely successful track record having won the Champions League and several Serie A titles with Juventus and is now enjoying some time off following last summer's success in Germany.

But the Premiership champions have moved to dismiss these reports and given their backing to Mourinho.

A club statement: "Following further media speculation regarding the position of Chelsea Football Club manager and comments allegedly attributed to Marcello Lippi, the club would like to make clear that no list of candidates has been drawn up to replace Jose Mourinho.

"Nobody from Chelsea FC has spoken to Mr Lippi or his representatives or indeed anyone regarding the manager's job.

"As previously stated, Jose Mourinho has a contract until 2010, he has the support of everybody at Chelsea and he has said he wants to stay for the time of his contract."