Jose Mourinho is looking like the most likely candidate to take over the manager's job at Chelsea, after it was revealed that the Real Madrid boss is in constant touch with owner Roman Abramovich as well as some of the senior players.
Mourinho left Chelsea in 2007 after having a fall out with Abramovich, a relationship which has since been repaired over time.
However, there were still doubts lingering over the depth of the duo's relationship, but according to the Daily Star, there should not be any worry as Abramovich has been constantly texting and calling Mourinho, even seeking advice on club matters.
The Portuguese is unhappy with his situation at Real Madrid, and there have been reports he has lost the dressing room after deciding to drop the untouchable Iker Casillas.
The fact that Real have struggled in La Liga and lie in third place, a massive 15 points behind leaders Barcelona, has also convinced Mourinho his future lies elsewhere come the end of the season.
There was no better fit for Mourinho than Chelsea, and the manager has been in constant touch with not just Abramovich, but players like Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech as well.
"Joe has been sending messages to people in the club," a source told the Daily Express. "Not just Roman, but everyone, hinting his intentions."
Rafa Benitez, the current interim manager, is expected to leave at the end of the season, with the Spaniard one of the least popular figures among the Chelsea faithful.
Mourinho is also keen to make a return to England due to the fact that his daughter is studying at Camberwell College of Arts, which is around six miles from Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese also bought a house in London last year.
Another interesting aspect that might arise, were Mourinho to make a return would be whether Lampard would then be given a new contract.
As it stands, Abramovich and the Chelsea hierarchy have told the 34-year-old he can leave at the end of the season; but were Mourinho to be named the next Chelsea manager, there is a strong possibility that he might convince Abramovich to keep Lampard for a further year.
