Chelsea have begun sounding out potential replacements for manager Frank Lampard.

Manchester City emerged dominant 3-1 victors from Stamford Bridge on Sunday night, extending Chelsea's dire run to four defeats in their last six Premier League games.

The Athletic reports Lampard must swiftly put an end to the downward spiral to avoid his dismissal, and it is still possible he could see out the season.

But the report warns Stamford Bridge chiefs have already started the search for the next Chelsea manager, and it may already be a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' Lampard is replaced.

The Blues hierarchy are also concerned about the poor form of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, who arrived in west London for hefty fees of £47.5million and £72million respectively last summer.

Forward Werner is without a goal in 12 matches, while Havertz had to settle for a spot on the bench against City after failing to hit form in the Premier League.