Jan 18, 2013 12:11 AM EST
Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Gianfranco Zola to Takeover at Stamford Bridge?

Now that Pep Guardiola has been ruled out as a Chelsea candidate for the manager's job at the end of the season, speculation is rife on the person set to takeover at Stamford Bridge.

It is becoming increasingly clear Rafa Benitez will not extend his stay beyond the end of the season, with fans making it clear they do not want the former Liverpool boss on board.

The fact that Benitez has not been able to sustain a good run of results has further worked against him, with the Chelsea faithful baying for his blood before the season even runs out.

Several big names have been linked following the announcement that Guardiola, Roman Abramovich's No. 1 choice, would take the manager's job at Bayern Munich next season.

Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund is one of the top names on the list, with Everton manager David Moyes, Michael Laudrup of Swansea and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone also being considered, while a return for Jose Mourinho can never be ruled out.

Another name being seriously looked at is Gianfranco Zola, according to the Daily Mirror, with the Chelsea legend currently doing well at Watford.

Zola would have the exact opposite impact that the Benitez appointment had on the fans, with the Italian a firm favorite among the Blues supporters and sure to be welcomed with open arms.

The former midfielder admitted he would be open to a move to Chelsea if the job ever came to him, and the Blues hierarchy are considering the possibility of appointing the 46-year-old.

"One of my dreams is a day when I can become the manager of Chelsea," Zola had said earlier. "Chelsea is in my heart. I hope one day I will get the chance to be manager there.

"One day I would like to be good enough to manage Chelsea.

"Mr Abramovich has been very good to me and asked me a couple of times to go back to Chelsea to work but what's the point of going there and not having anything to do for the club.

"The way I see it is that I want to go there when I know I can give something back to the club."

So, there is little doubt that Zola would gleefully accept the proposal, were it to be made. Klopp is thought to be the leading candidate for the job, but according to the Daily Telegraph the German will turn down the job offer.

Laudrup is another intriguing choice, with his style of play and philosophy perfect for the kind of players that Chelsea have and are looking to bring in, while Moyes' experience in the Premier League is sure to come in handy.

Mourinho would be an obvious choice, with the Portuguese repairing his relationship with Abramovich, but there is always something about a club legend like Zola coming back to the team he adores and is passionate about.

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