Former Liverpool boss emerges as surprise candidate for Chelsea job

Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Antonio Conte as the next head coach of Chelsea. The 45-year-old is presently with Celtic, where he is on course to a win another treble.

Conte has been under pressure with his role over the course of the campaign, and the Italian is widely expected to be released from his position in the summer.

According to The Express, Rodgers could be offered a surprise return to his former employers, who are facing the prospect of playing Europa League football next term.

Rodgers was previously employed with the Blues' youth and reserve team, and his arrival at Stamford Bridge would present a reunion with the west London side.

Aside from Rodgers, Juventus' Max Allegri and Napoli's Maurizio Sarri are also on the managerial shortlist alongside Luis Enrique, who has been deemed a target for Arsenal of late.

Chelsea have reduced the gap to fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur to seven points, but they have just five games from now and the end of the season to hope for a Spurs collapse.