Chelsea have reportedly begun preparing for life without Jose Mourinho by drawing up a four-man shortlist to take over at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues boss is under increasing pressure following a poor start to the season, which has left the West London outfit just three points above the relegation zone.
Chelsea's latest Premier League setback came at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday evening when falling to a 1-0 reverse against Stoke City - a match Mourinho was absent from due to a one-game stadium ban.
Owner Roman Abramovich is said to have finally grown tired with the Portuguese's failure to turn the club's barren run of form around, with preparations now in full swing to bring in a new face.
According to The Express, the three men under strong consideration to replace Mourinho are former youth team coach Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Di Matteo - sacked by Abramovich in 2012 despite winning the Champions League - and ex-boss Guus Hiddink.
Another one-time Chelsea employee, Carlo Ancelotti, is also thought to have been considered for the job but will only take over on a long-term basis, rather than until the end of the current season.
Chelsea, who return to action in two weeks' time with a home match against Norwich City, have also reportedly been keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
Daniel Lewis
