Former Chelsea centre-forward Tony Cascarino has insisted that Alan Pardew is the "obvious candidate" to replace Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho was relieved of his duties earlier today following a run of results that has seen the Blues slump to 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.

A number of big names have already been linked with the post, including Diego Simeone, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.

However, Cascarino has stated that owner Roman Abramovich need look no further than the man that is currently in the dugout at Crystal Palace.

"There is one obvious candidate to be the new Chelsea manager and that is Alan Pardew. He is ready for the step up to join a team in the Champions League," the 53-year-old wrote in The Times.

Pardew has been widely lauded for the job that he has carried out at Selhurst Park since he took on the job in January. But, Cascarino has claimed that it was what he experienced during a four-year stint in charge of Newcastle United - coupled with his character - that has set him up to deal with the pressure of managing a club like Chelsea.

"He has the ability, the ego and the bravery. Pardew can handle any owner, even one as demanding as Roman Abramovich," he added.

"After all, Pardew survived four years at Newcastle United under Mike Ashley and that was remarkable in itself."

The majority of bookmakers have priced Pardew at 50/1 to be appointed by the West Londoners.