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Diego Simeone is set to quit Atletico Madrid in the summer - a move that will put Chelsea on red alert, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.

Sunday People Sport understands he is certain to be of real interest to Blues owner Roman Abramovich should Jose Mourinho fail to turn things round at Stamford Bridge.

Argentinian Simeone’s contract at the Vicente Calderon Stadium runs until 2020 but is understood to contain break clauses on both sides with the manager is ready to activate his at the end of his fifth season in the hotseat.

Without Mourinho, who was serving a one-match stadium ban, reigning Premier League champions Chelsea lost 1-0 at Stoke on Saturday — their 10th defeat in 19 matches in all competitions this season.

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(Image: Jordan Mansfield)

If Simeone, 45, does arrive at the West Londoners, he could be taking over from former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers — who is being considered as a possible interim coach if Mourinho is sacked. Rodgers managed Chelsea's youth and reserve teams a decade ago.

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Atletico bigwigs know of Simeone’s plans to leave, although sources close to the club insist there is no chance of him quitting before the end of the season.

Simeone, who won 106 caps, has been a huge success in Madrid, leading Atletico to victory in the Europa League in 2011-12 (his first season in charge), the Super Cup in 2012, the Copa Del Rey in 2013, the La Liga title in 2013-14 and the runners-up spot in the Champions League final that same year.

(Image: Getty)

This season, however, he has seen his side drop points domestically and in the Champions League when they weren’t expected to.

He is ready for a new challenge, with the Premier League his preferred destination.