Chelsea are exploring alternative options to Julian Nagelsmann, despite opening talks with the former Bayern Munich boss.
The Blues are on the search for their third permanent manager since Todd Boehly took over as owner last May. The American sacked Thomas Tuchel in September, before firing his replacement Graham Potter at the start of the month.
Frank Lampard is in interim charge, but the Blues are pushing ahead with their search for a permanent boss to take over at the end of the season. Nagelsmann is one of the frontrunners, but Vincent Kompany's name is also being increasingly put forward.
According to The Times, Chelsea 'admire' the Belgian amid his impressive work at Burnley. Kompany has led the Clarets back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with the Turf Moor side likely to be promoted as champions.
The former Manchester City captain is already on Tottenham's shortlist, setting up a battle to appoint the Belgian. Kompany has not even spent a year at Burnley, having only taken over last summer.
But he built a virtually whole new team and implemented an attractive style of football to help them storm to promotion from the second tier. They have lost just twice all season, with Kompany attracting interest from several top sides as a result.
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Kompany is just one name on Chelsea's shortlist, with at least four other men being considered for the job. Nagelsmann is currently the frontrunner, having already held talks with Blues chiefs.
No preferred option has yet been identified, with Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali to make the final decision. But Kompany, alongside Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, is being considered.
That news will delight Pep Guardiola, who was in charge at City for the final three years of Kompany's time at the club. Guardiola has already made it clear he believes the Belgian is ready for a Premier League job.
"It's nice he's back, but over the last two or three days I've been thinking about what they've done this season. What I saw didn't make me totally surprised about the position they're in, being so close to being a Premier League team next year already," he said ahead of an FA Cup quarter-final clash between City and Burnley last month.
"Seeing what they do more closely, I understand it completely. They will be really, really tough because they do incredible things on the pitch.
"A manager needs time but to be successful with a team, and you need to convince [them] as soon as possible what you believe is the best way to win the games to suit the players perfectly. They have a good team - and the way they play is exceptional."
