By ROB BEASLEY
The news will shock fans who have slated the ex-Liverpool boss since he took charge last month.
But sources inside Stamford Bridge’s corridors of power say the Spaniard is on course to become ‘Rafa the Gaffer’ full-time after some superb results.
Owner Roman Abramovich has been impressed with Blues’ six wins in their last seven games, in which they hit 26 goals and reached the Capital One Cup semi-finals.
Benitez, 52, has even helped £50million flop Fernando Torres rediscover his golden touch with seven goals in seven games.
Events outside SW6 have also strengthened the position of Benitez, originally only brought in until the end of the season.
Chelsea’s top target Pep Guardiola is being linked with a return to Barcelona after his year-long sabbatical.
Current boss Tito Vilanova has cancer and there are fears about his long-term future.
Jose Mourinho is also unlikely to return to Chelsea and is set to go to Manchester United, Manchester City or Paris St-Germain when he quits Real Madrid this summer.
