Didier Deschamps, the former Juventus coach, claims he has received an approach to become manager of Chelsea.

The French World Cup-winning captain is thought to be one of a number of names thought to be in the running to replace Avram Grant although Chelsea have yet to decide on the man they want to succeed the Israeli.

The former Chelsea midfielder says he is one of "three or four" managers on a shortlist for the job, with reports suggesting the others include Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach of Russia.

"Three or four managers are on the list, I am part of them," Deschamps told French radio station RMC. "It would be hard to refuse Chelsea. I want to return to coaching. I needed to rest, but I feel capable of achieving good things now.

"Breaking back into management is complicated because there are not always the opportunities, but the Chelsea position is now free. I am flattered to be considered a possible candidate for the role. They sacked their manager not because of the results they achieved, but because of their wish to play a more attacking, attractive style of football in the next few years. They are a very big club, that I know well.

"We will see over the next few days how it goes but any big-name manager who is available would interest them."

Deschamps, 39, played for Chelsea in the FA Cup-winning season of 1999/2000 season. After retiring, he became manager of Monaco, leading them to the 2004 Champions League final before guiding Juventus back to Serie A after they had been relegated following the match-fixing scandal.

However, he resigned in May 2007 and has been out of management since but now believes he is in the frame to become the new boss at Stamford Bridge.

The West London club are prepared to wait to secure the right man, which may be just as well as several of the leading candidates are busy preparing for next month’s European Championship finals.