Chelsea's new co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly considered the possibility of hiring a controversial former Morocco coach to take over from Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues surprised many when they unexpectedly sacked Tuchel last Wednesday following a shock 1-0 defeat to European minnows Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League.
While the decision to terminate the German's contract seemed sudden, various reports suggested that the call had been coming for some time as Boehly had developed a strained relationship with the 49-year-old.
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Tuchel's abrupt dismissal was followed the swift appointment of former Brighton Hove Albion boss Graham Potter, with negotiations between Chelsea and the Englishman taking place just hours after the previous manager had been axed.
While Potter was quickly established as the favourite to land the job, the new owners did reportedly consider a handful of other candidates, including former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino, who parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain in July.
According to French publication L'Equipe, ex-Morocco boss Vahid Halilhodzic was also in contention for the then-vacant helm at Stamford Bridge.
It is said the recently-fired Atlas Lions coach was keen on being appointed, with Boehly even agreeing to meet him before choosing Potter.
Despite guiding Morocco to 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, the 69-year-old was given his marching orders last month largely for his poor relationship with some of the nation's biggest stars, including Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech, who has since been recalled to the national team after a year-long exile.
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Halilhodzic, who has previously managed PSG, Lille, and Rennes, has reportedly received numerous offers from other national teams since his dismissal, while clubs in the Middle East are also understood to be vying for his services.
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