Roberto Di Matteo set for return to Chelsea

Di Matteo, who won two FA Cups, a European Cup Winners' Cup and a League Cup in 175 appearances for Chelsea, is currently taking his coaching qualifications with both UEFA and the Football Association.

"I have been doing my UEFA badges and am looking forward to getting back into the game," said Di Matteo, who since retiring as a player in 2002 through injury has done intermittent work with Chelsea's Soccer Academy.

"I would rather start coaching in England than Italy - I am doing all the licences here in England as well with the FA. I can't say too much more but I am talking with Chelsea at the moment."

It is unclear if the Italian would work with the first-team under Grant, but the 37-year-old suggests winning both the Premier League and the Champions League this season may not be enough to save the Israeli's job. "Every manager has his own style," he said. "If Grant said they were going to deliver more attractive football and they aren't, then he has put himself under pressure.

"The fans have been critical but that has happened before. When Claudio Ranieri arrived, they were singing Gianluca's Vialli's name but he turned it around. If at the end of the season Grant wins the Premier League or the Champions League or both, that's what is going to make the fans change their attitude towards him.

"I don't know what the club would do if he doesn't deliver - or even if he does. Only God knows the answer to that. But he's been given a long contract."

Grant, who takes his team to Manchester City as the title race continues tomorrow, has also come under fire from former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman.

The Serb helped Fenerbahce secure a shock 2-1 win over Grant's side in the Champions League. Kezman said: "Under Mourinho, Chelsea were a machine and they worked for 90 or 95 minutes without mistakes or faults.

"If Mourinho had been in charge of this match, it would have been different."

Di Matteo's return to Stamford Bridge would be welcomed by players and fans alike, where he remains a hugely popular figure although the club may take a dim view of employing anyone who criticises their current manager.

"I still go to the games with my boy," added Di Matteo, speaking at the launch of the first Sony High Definition Pub on the Kings Road in west London. "I feel very connected to the fans, who have treated me very well."