Chelsea are plotting a move for Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann.
The Daily Star says Antonio Conte looks certain to leave the Blues this summer after a season of strife with the board.
And Nagelsmann, 30, has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace him in the Stamford Bridge hotseat.
Nagelsmann took Hoffenheim into the Champions League for the first time in his debut season, where they were knocked out in a play-off by Liverpool.
He is on course to match that achievement with a second fourth-placed finish on the back of a brilliant late run to the Bundesliga season.
They are unbeaten in nine matches, with seven wins and two draws, scoring 26 goals in the process.
Hoffenheim are guaranteed at least fourth spot in they win their final two games and their goals tally of 63 is bettered only by Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.