Jose Mourinho has been given the 'vote of confidence' by his Chelsea paymasters.
If that's not the kiss of death, then we don't know what is.
Maybe the Stamford Bridge hierarchy actually do believe Mourinho can turn the Blues' failing season around, but the Mirror say they're sizing up replacement...just in case.
The top name on the list is Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone who has worked wonder at La Liga club, winning the league, the Copa Del Rey and reaching a Champions League final.
But obviously he's not going to come cheap. There's Mourinho's big pay-off to consider - which is believed to be anywhere from £30m to £40m if he's given the boot.
Then there's the fact that Simeone has just signed a new long-term deal at Atletico worth £22m - a deal which includes a £15m buyout clause.
The millions would soon mount up, but with Chelsea languishing in 16th place with just two wins and eight points from eight games, it might just be a price worth playing to get the Blues back on track.
