Chelsea will look towards another Premier League manager in case Enzo Maresca is sacked, even though the club has no plans to let their manager go.

Maresca left Leicester City to join the Blues in May and enjoyed a very successful first season, delivering the first trophies under the Boehly-Clearlake ownership.

He led Chelsea to win the UEFA Europa Conference League, beating Real Betis in the final, and the FIFA Club World Cup, beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

The Italian has endeared himself to the Chelsea hierarchy and fans, particularly with how he tactically outclassed UCL-winning manager Luis Enrique on the day.

However, the relationship on both sides has been strained: fans have criticised his tactical setup recently and apparent misprofiling of players, while directors have reportedly lamented a lack of transfer activity in key areas.

Cobham graduate Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury ahead of the start of the season, and despite his public calls, the club has signed no replacement.

The centre-back's absence has shown in the team as the Blues have struggled defensively and in the build-up, an area in which the youngster excelled for the team last season.

Chelsea reportedly identifies Maresca's possible replacement

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea will go after AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola if they decide to part ways with Maresca. Iraola reportedly has admirers at Stamford Bridge for his style of play and how he gets results despite limited resources at the South Coast club.

The Spanish manager is also on the radar of Manchester United in case they part ways with Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim amid poor results.

However, no decision has been made, as Maresca could still win the bosses over and steady the ship if results improve in the coming weeks.