Chelsea are looking at Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone as a replacement for Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was given a vote of confidence by owner Roman Abramovich last week.
But he was made aware that he must now reassert his authority in the Stamford Bridge dressing room if he is to have a long-term future at the club.
That has prompted Chelsea to assess the possibility of prising Simeone out of Atletico.
According to sources in Portugal, Mourinho is aware that the Blues are putting a succession plan in place if he fails to turn around Chelsea’s stuttering season.
Simeone is admired for the job he has done at Atletico - but he will come at a huge cost.
The Argentine signed a new five-year contract worth a basic £22.5million in March.
The deal included a £15million buy-out clause that either party can trigger at the end of each season.
Simeone, who won 106 caps for Argentina during a playing career that saw him play in Italy and Spain after leaving Velez Sarsfield as a 20-year-old, has a reputation as a ruthless operator who commands huge respect with the Atletico players.
He guided the Madrid club to a shock La Liga title in 2014 and also the final of the Champions League.
He has also won the Europa League and Copa de Rey.
Mourinho, however, is resolved to turning his fortunes around after leading Chelsea to a Premier League and Capital One Cup double last season.
He also has the protection of a four-year contract worth £30million that he signed in the summer.
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