Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is being linked with a possible return to the club.
ESPN say sources have indicated that Chelsea are considering Ancelotti, 63, as they look to make a permanent appointment at the end of the season.
It comes amid speculation about the Italian’s position at Real Madrid, where he has a year remaining on his contract.
Reports in Spain have suggested that Real could opt to make a change this summer.
Ancelotti won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010 during a two-year spell at Chelsea and has since had another spell in England, managing Everton.
ESPN believe he is being considered by Chelsea’s owners along with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino.
Following the sacking of Graham Potter, Frank Lampard was recently placed in interim charge for the remainder of the campaign.
Lampard’s first game back at the helm ended in a 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Saturday, when some of the shortcomings Chelsea have shown this season were evident again.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Lampard said: “You have to have more aggression in your game, more speed and more competitive duels that go your way rather than the opposition’s.
“The players have to be aware of that, because without it you can’t win games and can’t be the team that Chelsea have been and want to get back to.
“It was interesting to see in many ways. I’m here to help with that. This is not stinging criticism, this is ‘OK, what are the reasons we maybe can be like that at times?’
“We played an aggressive team and there were some duels that we weren’t quite at.
“And I don’t mind saying it, because it has to be said to be a reality to be dealt with.”
