Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was spotted holding talks with Blues representatives on Monday and is the club’s No.1 choice to replace Jose Mourinho, according to the Sun.
The out of work Italian was allegedly spotted “in deep discussion” with businessmen, including one claiming to be a lawyer representing the Premier League champions, at the posh Quattro Passi restaurant in London’s Mayfair.
Mourinho remains under pressure at Stamford Bridge following Saturday’s defeat to Stoke, which was the club’s seventh defeat in 12 league matches.
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The consensus is that Mourinho’s position is not in any immediate danger, although the Sun’s claims suggest otherwise.
Ancelotti, who was sacked by Real Madrid in June, has been repeatedly linked with a return to the club he managed successfully between 2009 and 2011.
The 56-year-old won the Premier League and FA Cup double during his first season in charge, but was dismissed 12 months later after the Blues finished second to Manchester United.
However, in a 90min poll conducted at the start of November, 47 per cent of Chelsea fans said they would rather keep Mourinho than hire anyone else, including Ancelotti.
The three-time Champions League winner came second in the findings, though, receiving 31 per cent of the votes.
Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who won the vote of 14 per cent of those polled, was also spotted wearing a suit in London this week, sparking speculation that he was interviewing for a new role.
Rodgers also had ties to Stamford Bridge, having coached the Blues at youth and reserve team level between 2004 and 2008.