Enzo Maresca has departed Chelsea – and the club hope to appoint a new manager within days, Daily Mail Sport understands.
A spectacular breakdown in the relationship between the Italian and his bosses at Stamford Bridge had left his position untenable.
Maresca’s exit follows a turbulent period which has seen the side win just one of their last seven Premier League matches.
Chelsea have a small shortlist which includes bookmakers favourite Liam Rosenior. A plan is being made for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City but Maresca’s replacement is expected to be in place in the near future and could even oversee Wednesday’s derby at Fulham.