Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their pursuit for a new head coach after making contact with two highly-regarded managers.
The Blues are searching for their next boss after sacking Graham Potter on Sunday, bringing an end to a disastrous seven-month spell at Stamford Bridge.
It has been reported that one of the names being mentioned for the job, Roberto De Zerbi, has ruled himself out of taking the managerial vacancy, leaving co-owner Todd Boehly having to look elsewhere to find a replacement.
As such, the London side are said to have two preferred candidates for the post.
Read: Ten Hag 'growing impatient' with Man Utd star
According to the Daily Telegraph, the American owner has made contact with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, who are both said to be interested in the job.
Chelsea will have to act fast if they want to acquire Nagelsmann's signature as he also has admirers in Real Madrid, where the head coach role could open up at the end of the season, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to consider as many as seven candidates before making their shortlist smaller.
Read: Tuchel 'reacts' to Chelsea sacking Potter
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is another coach that is believed to be liked by the Blues hierarchy, while former Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is likely to be interviewed in the coming days.
It remains to be seen exactly which other candidates will be contacted at this stage, with a number expected to be trialed before a final decision is made.
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