Chelsea have identified Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino as the two leading candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel as manager at Stamford Bridge.
Potter is currently in London to hold talks with the Blues' ownership regarding the vacant managerial position at the club, football.london understands. Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday morning after a poor start to the season which has seen Chelsea pick up just three wins from seven in all competitions.
The Blues spent more than any other Premier League club in the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Pierre-Emerick Auabmeyang, Wesley Fofana, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella. Cristiano Ronaldo was a target for the west London outfit, but Tuchel blocked a move for the Manchester United superstar after Todd Boehly had met with agent Jorge Mendes to discuss a potential deal.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino named as potential next Chelsea manager after Thomas Tuchel sacked
Should Potter be appointed as the next Chelsea manager, the Brighton boss could look to bring his two assistants along to Stamford Bridge. The English manager would also look to bring recruitment specialist Kyle Macauley to Chelsea which would solve Boehly's search for a transfer expert.
The Blues have already been rejected by former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, with the 42-year-old taking a break from football. Macauley was responsible from the Seagulls signing Cucurella from Getafe and bringing talented midfielder Moises Caicedo to the club, with Arsenal having registered an interest in the Ecuadorian youngster this summer.
Chelsea want to have a new manager in place for the London derby against Fulham this weekend but need to make sure whoever is appointed agrees to the long-term project at the club. Potter has a history of developing young talents into key players and with Macauley leading the transfer strategy, Boehly may have found his ideal solution to take the club forward under his ownership.
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