Sport: Runners and riders to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea

Gianfranco Zola: Inexperience is his primary shortcoming but his fledgling managerial career has got off to a promising start at West Ham, who have been both solid and slick of late. Zola himself gives much of the credit for that to his assistant, Steve Clarke, who may follow him back to Stamford Bridge should the Italian be appointed, offering an enticing two-for-one bonus. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP

Guus Hiddink: Has always been popular with players and fans because of his high-tempo attacking style and is much admired by Roman Abramovich, who was instrumental in the Dutchman taking charge of Russia and may not particularly want him to leave that post. At 62, the manager is not believed to be keen on returning to club management, preferring the more sedate international schedule. Photograph: Uriel Sinai/Getty

Sven-Goran Eriksson: The former England manager has previously been courted by Chelsea and offers a wealth of experience of English and European football. Is currently in charge of Mexico, where neither results nor performances have been convincing. Memories of England's cautious style under him and various PR mishaps mean he carries plenty of baggage. And he's unlikely to come cheap. Photograph: Phil Cole/Getty Images

Frank Rijkaard: Currently available having stepped down from Barcelona last season to take a break, the Dutchman is celebrated by fans for fostering an adventurous style of play and has generally been popular with players because he is perceived as fair and genial. During stints at Sparta Rotterdam and Holland, however, he was accused of tactical naivete. Photograph: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Jose Mourinho: The most intriguing prospect. Jilted by Chelsea in 2007 after falling out with the club's nomenklatura, the Portuguese remains loved by the fans and many of the players, whom he inspired, albeit with the help of money that appears to have dried up, to the most glorius period in the club's history. His record for success is matched only by a penchant for creating controversy. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Roberto Di Matteo: Popular former Chelsea star whose playing career was prematurely ended by injury. Lacks managerial experience but is making a good fist of his first job, guiding MK Dons to second place in League One since replacing Paul Ince there in July. Photograph: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Didier Deschamps: another former Chelsea player and another manager who is currently out of work. Greatest achievement was guiding Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final – beating Chelsea en route. Also won Serie B with Juventus. Left both Monaco and Juventus after protesting at his lack of power in the club's structures. Style places emphasis on fitness and solidity. Photograph: New Press/Getty Images

Roberto Mancini: Yet another whose appointment would not entail paying anyone compensation since the Italian is out of work having been dismissed by Internazionale last season. Won Serie A three times but was eventually ousted because of a perceived inability to cope with European competition. Has expressed his desire to work in England, where he briefly appeared as player for Leicester City in 2001. Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Avram Grant: Scolari's woes may have caused fans to re-assess the Israeli, who was never popular despite being in charge when the team reached last season's Champions League final and took the Premier League title race to the last day. Friendly with Abramovich, who may be further enamoured by the fact that he is currently out of work and therefore, perhaps, a relatively cheap option. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA