Luis Enrique is reportedly preparing to continue his managerial career in England – while the axe hangs over Antonio Conte as Chelsea.
Conte has been given a stay of execution and escaped the sack for now.
But if the Blues plummet outside the top four, jeopardising Champions League football next season, owner Roman Abramovich will sack him.
According to the Telegraph, Enrique is preparing for a return to management in England after Chelsea made him their first-choice candidate to be their next boss.
But the Blues insist no contact has yet been made with any potential successors.
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Under-fire Chelsea manager Conte has taken the shock decision to give himself and his players THREE days off after Monday’s 4-1 defeat at Watford.
He was also backed by captain Gary Cahill, who maintains he is doing an “unbelievable job”.
Some stars have been unhappy at Conte’s training methods.
Chelsea have conceded seven goals in two heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Watford, sparking player unrest.
Some stars feel a change of boss is inevitable — but Conte insists he will not resign.
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The Italian still has 18 months left on his £9.6million-a-year contract and says he wants to stay on and see the job through.
Chelsea have sacked previous managers Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Roberto Di Matteo and Andre Villas-Boas in mid-season.
The Blues face West Brom on Monday as they look to get their season back on track.
