Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has sought advice from Avram Grant over picking the club’s next manager.
The Russian is on the lookout for a long-term replacement for interim boss Guus Hiddink, who will not be staying beyond the end of this season.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Jorge Sampaoli is becoming an increasingly strong contender for the position due to various doubts over Diego Simeone, Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte.
Surprisingly, however, former Blues boss Grant could have a role to play in helping the club find Hiddink’s successor, with Abramovich still valuing his opinion highly.
The Israeli tactician had a brief spell in charge of Chelsea in 2007/08, leading the club to their first Champions League final, though failing to win any silverware.
Grant has since had underwhelming spells with Portsmouth and West Ham United in the Premier League.
Source: Metro