Former Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli has reportedly become a serious contender for the soon-to-be vacant position at Chelsea.

The Blues swiftly appointed Guus Hiddink as interim boss following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December, but it was made clear that a permanent replacement will be made in the summer.

Diego Simeone and Massimiliano Allegri have been touted as potential targets, and now, according to The Telegraph, Sampaoli is high on the list of candidates because his high-pressing style of football is attractive to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

It is believed that Sampaoli, who helped guide Chile to the Copa America crown last year, is eager to coach in the Premier League and is keen to take on the job at Stamford Bridge.

The stumbling block is that the 55-year-old Argentine speaks little English, but the coach is said to be learning the language.