Antonio Conte's public fall-out with Diego Costa has put his future as Chelsea manager in serious doubt.
No firm decision has yet been made but Sportsmail understands senior figures at Stamford Bridge are so unhappy with Conte telling their popular striker by text message he is not wanted that they have discussed the astonishing possibility of sacking the Italian.
Even by Chelsea’s standards it would be an extraordinary move. Owner Roman Abramovich dismissed Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti after successful spells at the club, while Chelsea’s only Champions League win was not enough to keep Roberto Di Matteo in a job.