Chelsea manager: Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso among candidates to replace Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge

Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso are among the managers Chelsea are discussing as potential replacements for Liam Rosenior this summer.

Chelsea believe there will be a bigger pool of high-calibre managers available this summer than there were last time they appointed a manager between seasons.

When Enzo Maresca got the job in June 2024, Kieran McKenna was the other candidate on their shortlist and neither manager had Premier League experience at the time.

Chelsea now want someone with Premier League experience and/or someone with a proven track record at a high level.

Iraola has said he is leaving Bournemouth this summer, Alonso is out of work and Silva's Fulham contract runs out in two months.

Chelsea are not in a rush to make an appointment and Calum McFarlane will remain in charge until the end of the season.

Merson, who is a Chelsea fan, believes the days of the west London club appointing big-name managers, like Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, are over.