Chelsea are lining up Manuel Pellegrini as their next manager, according to the Times.
The Blues sacked Jose Mourinho in December and appointed Guus Hiddink as interim boss.
The Dutchman has had a positive impact at Stamford Bridge and has tasted just one defeat in his second spell as Chelsea coach. But it is understood that Chelsea are looking elsewhere for their next permanent manager and Manuel Pellegrini could be the preferred choice.
It was announced on transfer deadline day that the Chilean will finish his contract with City in the summer and he will be replaced by Pep Guardiola. Pellegrini has hinted about remaining in the Premier League though and he has been touted as a candidate for the Chelsea job – following on from links with Massimo Allegri and Antonio Conte.
Incidentally, Pellegrini takes his City side to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for an FA Cup tie.
And he could be back in South West London next season as he is thought of highly by Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo.
Though problems have arisen in recent weeks for Pellegrini and his side, he is still a widely respected coach who has a calm and composed aura about him – something that could be of use to Roman Abramovich and Chelsea after a series of controversial events under Jose Mourinho.
