Mark Hughes is under consideration at Chelsea.
The Telegraph says Blues owner Roman Abramovich has plans to appoint Turkey coach Guus Hiddink as manager for 12 months before moving him upstairs and bringing in a younger replacement.
Abramovich's top target is Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
However, there does remain the possibility of a formal approach to Hughes, the now former Fulham manager, although he is regarded as a distant third in Chelsea's thinking.
The hierarchy are also still considering whether they can persuade Gianfranco Zola to join the coaching staff although he has stated he is only interested in a head coach's role.
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