Chelsea are reportedly targeting Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone as a replacement for Jose Mourinho, if the Portuguese manager fails to turn the Blues' season around.
Chelsea have just eight points from their opening eight Premier League fixtures, leaving them in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite offering Mourinho a public vote of confidence last week, Chelsea's hierarchy is understood to already be preparing a back-up plan should they part ways with the 52-year-old.
The Mirror is reporting that Simeone is the top candidate for the role, but will reportedly cost the Blues £15million to buy out the remainder of his contract with Atletico.