Chelsea Target Laurent Blanc

Media reports have today revealed that Chelsea are rumoured to have targeted French coach Laurent Blanc. Roman Abramovich is believed to be seriously considering the 46-year-old as a permanent replacement for the sacked Andre Villas-Boas but only if he fails to secure the services of either Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola.

Blanc, who can currently be found with odds of around 10/1 in the Next Chelsea Manager market, has gained numerous plaudits for the work he has done with the France national team. Since taking up the reigns after their dismal World Cup campaign he successfully guided them through qualification to Euro 2012 after finishing top of Group D. However, his contract runs out after the Championships this summer. The former Man Utd player also has managerial experience with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux with whom he guided to the league and cup double in 2009.

Chelsea are currently on the search for their eighth permanent manager of the Abramovich era and this time the Russian billionaire is determined to get it right after the embarrassing AVB saga. Chelsea paid a staggering £13m to lure the Portuguese coach away from Porto last summer but after a string of disappointing results combined with a player revolt they shed out a further £9 in compensation when giving him the boot earlier this month.

The football rumour mill has also speculated that Abramovich is so desperate to persuade Pep Guardiola to move West London that he is set to offer him a four-year contract worth a colossal £40m. The 41-year-old Barcelona boss has been incredibly successful since his surprise appointment back in 2007, having won La Liga three times, the Champions League twice as well as a number of other cups. However, speculation is currently rife that he could leave the Spanish giants this summer as his contract expires at the end of the season. Although in all likeliness he will opt to stay with the Catalan club, there is still a glimmer of hope for Abramovich and Chelsea.