Chelsea start contacting prospective head coaches

Chelsea have started to make contact with prospective managerial candidates as they move towards appointing the club's next permanent head coach.

Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso, and Marco Silva are among those already known to be on the list of names to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month, while it is understood Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner also features in Chelsea's thoughts. Former Flamengo head coach Filipe Luis and Como boss Cesc Fabregas, both of whom played for Chelsea, are understood to have admirers at Chelsea. Iraola, Alonso, Silva and Glasner are all out of work or scheduled to be without a club by the end of the season, which means Chelsea will not be required to pay compensation. Glasner is leaving Crystal Palace when his contract expires this summer and is understood to be open to staying in England. Similarly, Iraola has confirmed he will depart Bournemouth at the end of the season. Silva's Fulham contract expires this summer, but he has been offered a three-year deal to stay.

It is hoped that a new head coach will be appointed well before the start of pre-season training in early July. Ex-Liverpool midfielder Alonso, who left his position as Real Madrid manager in January, is known to be optimistic about his chances in getting the role despite sources at Chelsea insisting the race is still wide open. The Spaniard Iraola is Crystal Palace's first-choice candidate to replace Glasner, and the Eagles have already held extensive talks with Iraola. Silva is reported to have options abroad, while clubs in Saudi Arabia are also understood to be keen on Silva if