Chelsea plot Zola return

Chelsea want to bring Gianfranco Zola back to the club this summer in a coaching capacity, it has been claimed.

Zola has been out of work since he was sacked as West Ham boss in May 2010, but is said to be keen to for a return into management.

According to Goal.com, the Italian has already been approached by Chelsea about becoming part of the backroom staff when a new manager is appointed.

Chelsea do not consider the 45-year-old as a permanent replacement for Andre Villas-Boas - who was sacked earlier this month - and Zola could yet hold out for the top job at Lazio.

Zola reportedly held talks with the Rome giants last month regarding the possibility of succeeding Edy Reja as Lazio manager, and is still keeping his options open.

Zola enjoys a legendary status at Stamford Bridge, having played over 300 games for Chelsea during six seasons with the west London club.

His return will no doubt prove to be a popular one, with Zola loved by the Chelsea fans as well as being respected by the club's players, some of whom played in the same Blues side before he left in 2003.