Roman Abramovich is aiming to appoint a replacement for Roberto Di Matteo quickly after ruthlessly sacking him in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Press Association Sport understands Blues owner Abramovich has identified the man he wants to bring in, with Rafael Benitez the bookmakers' favourite to land the job.
Abramovich is keen to have someone in place before Sunday's crunch Barclays Premier League game against Manchester City and Chelsea hope to make an announcement before Thursday.
Source: PA
