Chelsea have sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari, with Guus Hiddink and Avram Grant linked to the Stamford Bridge post.
Grant linked with sensational Stamford Bridge return
Chelsea have sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari, with Guus Hiddink and Avram Grant immediately linked to the Stamford Bridge post.
The Brazilian only took charge of the Blues in the summer and after a promising start the club have slipped to fourth in the table, seven points adrift of Manchester United.
Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Hull City proved to be the final straw for the World Cup winner and the Premier League outfit have now confirmed his departure.
A statement on the club's
official website read: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club today (Monday) with immediate effect.
"The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager.
Sadness
"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.
"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.
"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.
"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.
"While that continues assistant coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis."
Grant
Sky Sports News understands that the club have already compiled a two-man shortlist to replace Scolari, with Hiddink and Grant the names in the frame.
Grant stepped into the breach following Jose Mourinho's departure before being axed at the end of the season despite finishing second in the Premier League and reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
Hiddink has been linked with a host of Premier League posts after his exploits as Russia coach, including reaching the Euro 2008 semi-finals.
One possibility is that the duo could work together, with Hiddink taking charge of team affairs and Grant operating as director of football.
In the meantime, Wilkins will take temporary charge of the Blues as they prepare for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Watford.
