Chelsea considering Diego Simeone as Jose Mourinho’s replacement

Barclays Premier League defending champions Chelsea are looking at Atletico Madrid’s boss Diego Simeone as a replacement for manager Jose Mourinho, reports Mirror.

Mourinho was last week given a vote of confidence by club owner Roman Abramovich.

However, he was made aware that he must reassert his authority in the Stamford Bridge if he is to have a long-term future with the Blues.

The disclaimer has prompted Chelsea to assess the possibility of hiring Simeone from Atletico.

According to sources in Portugal, ‘the Special One’ is aware that Chelsea is putting a succession plan in place if he fails to turn around Chelsea to winning ways.

Diego Simeone is highly feted for the job he has done at Atletico – but he will come at a hefty cost.

Simeone signed a new five-year contract with the 2014 La Liga winners worth a basic Ksh 3.6 billion (£22.5million) in March.

The deal included a Ksh 2.4 billion (£15million) buy-out clause that either party can trigger at the end of each season.

Simeone has the reputation of a ruthless operator who commands huge respect with the Atletico players.

Besides bagging La Liga title in 2014, and guiding Atletico to the final of the Champions League in same year, Simeone has also won the Europa League and Copa de Rey.

Mourinho, however, is resolved to turning his fortunes around after guiding Chelsea to a Premier League and Capital One Cup double in the 2014/2015 season.

He also has the protection of a four-year contract worth Ksh 4.7 billion (£30million) that he signed in the summer.