Claudio Ranieri believes Gianfranco Zola could return to Chelsea.

The Blues will be looking for a new manager if Guus Hiddink, as is expected, quits the club when his short-term contract expires in the summer.

And former Stamford Bridge coach Ranieri is tipping West Ham United boss Zola to make an emotional return to the club he served from 1996 to 2003.

"Gianfranco Zola is doing very well as a manager," Ranieri told the Sunday Times. "Could he be a good choice for Chelsea? Why not? He has a great history with the club and the fans would be very happy."

Ranieri, meanwhile, will come face-to-face with his old employers this week when they meet in the second round of the UEFA Champions League.