Diego Simeone Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Atletico Madrid Manager

Chelsea are reportedly looking at Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho, but the former Argentina international would cost a pretty penny if the Blues were to act on their interest.

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Simeone Buy-Out Clause a Potential Stumbling Block

Sunday, Oct. 11

Simon Mullock of the Daily Mirror reported:

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According to sources in Portugal, Mourinho is aware the Blues are putting a succession plan in place if he fails to turn around Chelsea’s stuttering season. Simeone is admired for the job he has done at Atletico—but he will come at a huge cost. The Argentine signed a new five-year contract worth a basic £22.5 million in March. The deal included a £15 million buy-out clause that either party can trigger at the end of each season.

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Chelsea currently sit 16th in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, and Mourinho's position came under fire following the recent 3-1 loss against Southampton.

In front of the Sky Sports cameras, he went on a seven-minute rant in which he defended his position at the club, prompting Manchester United great Sir Alex Ferguson to call the entire interview a cry for help to owner Roman Abramovich in an appearance on Morning Joe (via Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror):

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I think Jose’s press conference was challenging the owner to support him in a bad time. I don’t think it’s correct what Jose’s thinking at the moment — I think he’s got the support.

He will find a solution. You’ve got to remember he’s lost his goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who’s fantastic. John Terry is in a little difficulty adjusting to his last season maybe.

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Ferguson believes he'll turn things around, and the Chelsea board has given Mourinho the opportunity to do just that. But if he fails, Simeone will reportedly be near the very top of their list of replacements, despite the huge fee it would take to get him.

Buy-out clauses are not the same as release clauses―as explained by Sportskeeda's Nikhil Srivastava, a move for Simeone would likely end up costing more than £15 million, as taxes have to be paid on said fee.

Abramovich has deep pockets, however, and he's never been afraid to splash the cash if it helps his team. While it's too early to write off Mourinho, whose track record of success is almost unmatched, a move for Simeone would be a realistic proposition―providing the Argentinian would want to leave the Spanish capital.