Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has earmarked former Blues boss Guus Hiddink as the man to replace under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
The Russian oligarch believes he can persuade the current Turkey coach to return to Stamford Bridge following his successful stint in 2009, when he replaced the outgoing Luiz Felipe Scolari before leading the side to FA Cup glory.
Hiddink remains a favourite with several Chelsea players including England duo John Terry and Frank Lampard who are believed to approve the Dutchman’s return to Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti has endured a turbulent third season at Stamford Bridge that sees him unlikely to defend his Premier League crown.
The Blues are currently in second place, six points adrift of leaders United who dealt Ancelotti’s men another blow when they eliminated them from the Champions League, leaving Ancelotti on the brink of ending the year without a winners medal.
If Abramovich fails in his quest to resign Hiddink, he could go move for Marco van Basten or former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, who is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League following his spell in charge at West Ham.
Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas is also beeing mooted as a potential replacement for Ancelotti, who seems increasingly unlikely to remain at Chelsea beyond the end of the season.