One of the Premier League's biggest teams has now reportedly made a huge call regarding Jose Mourinho, who is still without a job.
With uncertainty surrounding current Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino's future, the Portuguese tactician has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.
During his previous two stints with the Blues, the former FC Porto boss won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three League Cup trophies.
Mourinho has been a free agent since parting ways with Serie A side AS Roma in January this year, and is believed to have been one of the candidates who could replace Pochettino.
However, according to The Athletic, via the Express, the 61-year-old will not be returning to the club because its hierarchy has ruled him, along with three other managers, out as a potential replacement for the Argentine.
Former Italy boss Antonio Conte, Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim and ex-Germany manager Hansi Flick are the other coaches said to have been rejected by the EPL club.
Pochettino, meanwhile, is reported to have been told that the Blues must qualify for the UEFA Europa League in order for him to hold on to his current role beyond this season.
Chelsea are currently in seventh place in the Premier League, two points behind Newcastle United, who are directly above them, and six points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.
The Blues would have to overtake the Magpies on the table to be guaranteed a place in Europe next season, and have just three games, against Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth, in which to do so.
