Chelsea No2 Roberto di Matteo is being linked with the Leeds United job.

The Daily Express says Di Matteo is understood to be the Leeds chairman Ken Bates's preferred candidate, although his wages may prove to be a stumbling block.

The man brought to England by Bates as a player in 1996 has remained a close personal friend and his wife Zoe and his children were at the 80th birthday bash thrown by Bates at Elland Road before Christmas.

The Italian showed he has the capabilities to get Championship teams promoted when he took up West Brom two seasons ago.

With the Andre Villas-BoasChelsea regime under pressure, Di Matteo's long-term prospects there look questionable.