Chelsea are lining up Frank Lampard and Nuno Espirito Santo as possible replacements for Maurizio Sarri, reports the Sun.
The Italian is almost certain to be dispensed with at the end of the season - unless Chelsea's dismal season collapses yet further, in which case the axe could fall even sooner.
Appointed in the summer of 2018, Chelsea chiefs now believe the Italian is not a good fit for the club, following a season in which their early title credentials have crumbled and players have appeared unhappy with the manager's methods.
The beleaguered Blues still have a realistic chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League, either by finishing in the Premier League's top four or by winning the Europa League. They face Slavia Prague in the quarter-final next month.
Should the Czech side beat them, and the team's league woes shove them out a three-way race with Arsenal and Manchester United , owner Roman Abramovich will act to remove Sarri before the season's end, with ex-Stamford Bride favourite Lampard and Wolves boss Espirito Santo the names sitting at the top of the Russian's wish-list.
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Wolves have enjoyed a sensational return to the top flight under the Portuguese, sitting seventh in the league and having booked a first FA Cup semi-final appearance in 21 years, and exposed Chelsea's deficiencies under Sarri with an excellent away performance to claim a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this month. Only a last-minute Eden Hazard goal denied the visitors a deserved win.
Club top-scorer Lampard is currently in charge at Derby County where he has led the team to eighth in the Championship, one point outside the play-off places with a game in hand.
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Abramovich had hoped to appoint either Zinedine Zidane or Max Allegri as manager for next season.
Juventus boss Allegri has moved to distance himself from the job, whilst Zidane made a surprise return to former club Real Madrid following the sacking of Santiago Solari.
