According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea is ready to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella to Atletico Madrid in a swap deal to sign Joao Felix permanently.

The report adds: “After a series of calls, Atletico continue to demand £88million (€100m) for their 23-year-old forward, but are open to another loan deal, at a cost of about £16m.

“Chelsea have also expressed their desire to reduce Felix’s asking price through swap deals, after learning that the Spanish side are interested in both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella.

“The Portugal international hopes to avoid a return to Madrid, where Diego Simeone is set to remain as manager after overcoming a brief spell of ­pressure earlier in the season.

“Agent Jorge Mendes, who has significant influence in the transfer markets for both Chelsea and Atletico, will be heavily involved in trying to find a solution.

“Felix, Aubameyang and, increasingly, Cucurella are just some of the Chelsea players facing uncertain futures.

The club hopes to appoint Pochettino soon and provide clarity for players, but will not rush what will be an extensive process, with Frank Lampard to remain caretaker manager for the last four matches.”