Chelsea hope to appoint former FC Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Villas-Boas tendered his resignation with the Portuguese champions earlier today and his old club later confirmed his release clause had been met, paving the way for the Portuguese coach to move on to a new side.

Chelsea have now confirmed their intention to install the 33-year-old as the replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, who was unceremoniously axed at the end of last season just 12 months after guiding the club to a league and FA Cup double.

"We note that the release clause of Andre Villas-Boas has been activated," a Chelsea club statement read. "We can at this time confirm our interest in him and hope to reach agreement with him on personal terms and make a further announcement in the near future."

Dutch coach Guus Hiddink had been heavily linked with a return to the position, however, it now seems that Chelsea turned their attentions to appointing an up-and-coming coach to oversee first-team affairs.

Villas-Boas would certainly fit the bill after guiding Porto to domestic and UEFA Europa League success last season. He is also no stranger to the west London club, having previously worked there under compatriot Jose Mourinho.

Porto have moved swiftly to appoint a replacement coach, with Vitor Pereira stepping up to the hotseat.