Chelsea have included Porto manager Francesco Farioli on their shortlist to replace Liam Rosenior, but face a fee to agree a deal.
Farioli has impressed in his debut campaign at Porto, having led the Portuguese side to the brink of a first league title in four years. Porto have lost once in 31 league games this season and are one win from Primeira Liga success.
The 37-year-old’s immediate impact saw him handed a new contract in January, despite only arriving at The Estádio do Dragão last summer. That contract represents a blocker for Chelsea, given it runs until 2028 and contains a €20m (£17.3m) release clause.
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Chelsea have approached Farioli to determine his interest in taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are no strangers to paying release clauses, with their appointments of Graham Potter (£21.5m), Andres Villas-Boas (£13.3m) and Enzo Maresca (£10m) among the most expensive managerial appointments of all time.
However, fresh from a huge pay-off for Liam Rosenior, the West Londoners could look to more cost-effective alternatives.
Several options, including outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, are available as free agents this summer.
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