Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is lining up Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini to replace Jose Mourinho in case the Blues manager leaves at the end of the season.

Former Sampdoria, Lazio and Italy striker Mancini is in demand after leading Italian champions Inter to the top of Serie A this season with an 11-point cushion.

And despite recently pledging his future to the club, Mancini -- who worked as an assistant to Sven-Goran Eriksson when the Swede was in charge of Lazio -- is rumoured to be tempted by a move to the Premiership.

Abramovich and Mourinho have not seen eye to eye of late, mainly over the Russian billionaire's refusal to sanction the signing of new players during the January transfer window.

The Sun claimed Thursday that despite peace talks having taken place, Mourinho is secretly planning his exit from Stamford Bridge for the end of the season.

The report also said Abramovich is lining up Mancini to come in and replace the former FC Porto coach to avoid being left high and dry.

The report quoted a source as saying: "Abramovich has made up his mind that he wants Mancini. Chelsea know that he is in demand."

Mourinho recently said he had persuaded England skipper Terry to sign a new contract worth 150,000 pounds per week by assuring the centre-half he plans to be at Chelsea next season.

Mourinho said: "He asked me if I was staying and my answer was I think so."

Provided by AFP.