Chelsea are ready to rival Manchester United in an attempt to lure Mauricio Pochettino from Tottenham, according to reports.
An alarming dip in form has seen Chelsea stutter in recent months having started the season without defeat in their first 18 matches.
According to the Sunday Express, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been in touch with under-pressure Maurizio Sarri via text to let him know he is not pleased with the performances and that he expects Champions League football next season.
After a 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday, Chelsea went back above Arsenal into fourth.
Chelsea were keen on former Southampton manager Pochettino last summer, but went with Sarri after the sacking of Antonio Conte.
Pochettino is also wanted by Manchester United, but the Old Trafford club are not ruling out keeping interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis.
Solskjaer has impressed in the United dugout, going unbeaten in his first nine matches, including wins over Spurs and Arsenal.
Real Madrid are also known admirers of Pochettino and are expected to join any race for him.
It is believed it would cost Chelsea around £50million in compensation to bring Pochettino to Stamford Bridge, but Daniel Levy may hold out for more knowing the Argentine is in demand.