Roman Abramovich is being urged to consider a change of direction as Chelsea weigh up how best to replace head coach Antonio Conte.

While Chelsea have remained silent on his future, Conte is expected to leave the club at the end of the season and owner Abramovich and his advisers have been besieged by suggestions for the Italian’s successor.

Many of Europe’s leading managerial names, such as Luis Enrique, Max Allegri, Maurizzo Sarri and Leonardo Jardim have been put forward to Chelsea, and Abramovich is most likely to pick from that list. There is also the fall-back of asking Carlo Ancelotti to return.

But Telegraph Sport understands that some close allies of Abramovich have also suggested a new approach that would see Chelsea try to find the next big thing, rather than going for a proven winner or star name.

Mauricio Pochettino would be the Blues’ ideal choice to replace Conte, but there is recognition there is little chance of prising the Argentine away from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.