The Argentinian has turned a young Spurs side into contenders for the Barclays Premier League title

Chelsea have identified Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham Hotspur head coach, as one of their four preferred candidates to succeed Guus Hiddink when the Dutchman’s spell as interim manager ends this summer.

The Argentinian’s impressive campaign, turning a young Spurs side into contenders not only for a Champions League place but also for the Barclays Premier League title, has convinced Chelsea that he could be the ideal long-term replacement for José Mourinho.

Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid coach, Jorge Sampaoli, who resigned from his post with Chile this month, and Didier Deschamps, who will lead France into Euro 2016 this summer, are also under consideration.

Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, has not given up hope of persuading Pep Guardiola, the Bayern Munich coach who has advertised