Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri is expected to be unveiled as Valencia coach later today.

His appointment marks a return to the club with whom he spent two years. Ranieri. who was in charge at Valencia between 1997-99, replaces Rafael Benitez who walked out on the club last week.

“At last I’ve come home, I’m very happy and looking forward to coaching Valencia once more.”

During his previous spell at Valencia, Ranieri guided them to victory in the King’s Cup and a first qualification for the Champions League.

He left too join Atletico Madrid after the Cup victory, before moving to Chelsea in September 2000.