Former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes the first name on the shortlist to replace Graham Potter should be former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Cole told BT Sport: “There’s one man out there who is very active at the moment and that’s Carlo Ancelotti.

“If I was the owner of a football club and there was one appointment you could make to steady a ship and win you trophies he’s the first name.”

Cole fears too much water has passed under the bridge for Jose Mourinho to be accepted by the fans and return for a third time.

Cole added: “I think it’s very difficult for Jose to come back to Chelsea at some point because he’s gone to Tottenham, because he’s gone to Manchester United.

“There’s a connection maybe with the fans that wasn’t what it once was.”