The Independent says if Abramovich chooses to persist with Avram Grant then there is likely to be a major overhaul of the squad this summer, starting with last year's free signings - Juliano Belletti, Tal Ben Haim and Steve Sidwell - and including Florent Malouda, who cost £13.5m from Lyons, and Carlo Cudicini.

The futures of Frank Lampard, with one year left on his contract, and Didier Drogba are also in some doubt, as both are "big personalities" in a dressing room that may need to change.