Mourinho and Moyes top Abramovich wishlist

Ever since interim manager Rafael Benitez announced his departure at the end of the season, speculation has been rife about who will replace him in the summer. There have been a lot of names linked with the post, including the likes of Michael Laudrup, Fabio Capello and Guus Hiddink.

However, in some quarters, many believe that the Chelsea post is jinxed with no one willing to put their names into the hat to manage the Blues next season. The reason may stem from the fact that Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich has employed no less than eight managers in less than six years, with a ninth to be named in the summer.

However, Abramovich is reportedly understood to give the new manager time in order to bed in things, or risk facing a backlash from his own players. According to Daily Mail, Roman has identified Everton manager David Moyes and former Blues coach, and current Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho as his top two targets.

Some reports suggest that Mourinho has already agreed a three-year deal to bring the ‘Special One’ back to Stamford Bridge. The Real Madrid manager has repeatedly cast his future in doubt by suggesting that he is keen on a return to England, and sources in Spain indicate that his time at the Bernebeu is drawing to a close.

The 50-year old tactician always exercises total control at a club, and his contentious relationship with Madrid president Florentino Perez is seen as a likely motivator for his exit in the summer. Mourinho and Abramovich have seemingly mended their relationship, but there is still some concern whether both can function in harmony.

Another outside bet for the post is David Moyes, considered to be one of the best managers in the Premier League. He is in his twelfth season with Everton and has won the Manager of the Year award an impressive three times. He is the third-longest serving manager at a Premier League club, behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

Moyes would be an astute signing, as he has consistently challenged for European places with very little or no budget at Everton. His contract is over in the summer, and possible talks over an extension will only take place after the season is over. He has expressed his disappointment over a lack of funds to take the club forward.

One thing for certain at Chelsea is that there will not be any lack of funds, and with his tactical genius and experience of the English league, he could be a grand success at Chelsea. However, Blues fans would naturally want their most-ever successful manager back at the club, but could he do it again considering his frosty relationship with Roman?