Chelsea want Diego Simeone to replace Antonio Conte as head coach at the end of the season, according to a report by The Times.
The club have no plans to sack Conte but, with issues over Chelsea’s transfer policy and management structure, there is a widespread expectation at Stamford Bridge that both parties will come to a mutual agreement on his exit in the summer.
The Italian signed a new contract at Chelsea last summer but did not extend its length and will only have one year remaining after this campaign.
Chelsea have therefore begun the process of looking at alternatives, with Simeone top of their shortlist, according to The Times (subscription)
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Simeone has been at Atletico Madrid since 2011 and has helped the Spanish club win La Liga and reach two Champions League finals.
He is also attracting interest from Italian clubs, however, and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri as alternatives to Argentine Simeone.
Conte, meanwhile, has been repeatedly linked with a move back to Italy and Inter Milan are said to be interested in securing his services.
Paris Saint-Germain are also admirers of the Blues boss.
