Xavi Hernandez is on Chelsea's shortlist to become their new manager, talkSPORT understands.
The Blues are looking to appoint Liam Rosenior's successor following his sacking last month.
Xavi Hernandez sits in dugout as Barcelona boss
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Xavi has been out of work since being sacked as Barcelona boss in May 2024Credit: Getty
Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso are also candidates for the vacant role at Stamford Bridge.
However, an initial approach has been made to Barcelona legend Xavi, sources close to him have confirmed.
The former Barca player and manager would also be open to a move to England.
talkSPORT understands Chelsea are planning to reach out to several names as part of their thorough recruitment process, though.
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Xavi has been away from the dugout for almost two years, having left Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The 46-year-old won the LaLiga title in his first full campaign in charge of the club, having been appointed in November 2021.
Meanwhile, Iraola will be available in the summer having already confirmed his Bournemouth exit.
The Cherries boss is set to depart after three seasons in charge of the club.
Silva is out of contract at Fulham at the end of the campaign, with his future yet to be finalised.
The Portuguese could still remain at the helm at Craven Cottage beyond the summer.
Xavi Hernandez, Manager of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona
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Xavi is open to a move to England ahead of next seasonCredit: Getty
As for Alonso, he is without a club after a surprise exit from Real Madrid in January.
The former Bayer Leverkusen boss is ready to return to management ahead of next season.
Chelsea's current form
Chelsea are currently at risk of missing out on European football this term.
The Blues, who are managed by interim boss Calum McFarlane, sit ninth in the Premier League with three matches to play.
Following Monday's home defeat to Nottingham Forest, they are three points adrift of the top seven.
Despite scoring against Forest, Chelsea were unable to end their losing streak in the Premier League.
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Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest
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McFarlane is in interim charge of Chelsea until the end of the current campaignCredit: Getty
The FA Cup finalists have lost their last six matches in the league since a 4-1 win at Aston Villa on March 4.
McFarlane will hope to end the unwanted run away to Liverpool on Saturday, live on talkSPORT.