Chelsea eye Jose Mourinho replacement

Chelsea have reportedly earmarked a possible replacement for under-pressure head coach Jose Mourinho.

The Blues have made a horror start to their league defence and currently find themselves in 16th place, just a point above the drop zone.

It is now known that the club's hierarchy are set to step up their efforts for a new manager, should Mourinho fail to turn things around during the festive period.

Adding to this, former boss Guus Hiddink looks the likely candidate to take over the reigns on a short-term basis, with owner Roman Abramovich keen on landing Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Mourinho's Chelsea host fellow strugglers Sunderland in their next league fixture on Saturday.