Bookies slash odds on Harry Redknapp to become next Chelsea manager

The Tottenham boss is even money after overnight betting spree sees odds tumble, while Guus Hiddink and Marco van Basten remain second and third respectively in the running

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has emerged as even money favourite to become the next Chelsea manager following a spate of overnight betting.

Having initially been considered a 25/1 outsider for the position at Stamford Bridge, a flush of money in his direction cut his odds to 6/1 yesterday afternoon, before being shortened again to 5/2 by last night.

Three-figure bets continued to be placed throughout the evening from as far afield as Johannesburg, with the 64-year-old now even favourite to make the move from north to west London.

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked on Sunday following a 1-0 away defeat to Everton, with the result confounding a disappointing season for the Blues in which they failed to win any silverware.

Redknapp – who has also been repeatedly linked with the England job – has indicated he has no intention to leave White Hart Lane, but William Hill's spokesman Joe Crilly said in a statement: "There is no smoke without fire and the weight of this gamble would suggest that a decision may be imminent."

Current Turkey boss Guus Hiddink has long been linked with the vacant managerial spot and is currently the second favourite at 3/1, while Marco van Basten is 4/1, with Andre Villas-Boas, Pep Guardiola, Mark Hughes and Rafael Benitez all trailing in Hill's odds.