Mauricio Pochettino may already know what his first transfer decisions will be if he is appointed Chelsea's next manager. The former Tottenham boss is the clear favourite for the Stamford Bridge vacancy with the final details the only stumbling block that needs ironing out before his arrival is confirmed, according to multiple reports.
Despite the Argentine joining seeming close, in the meantime, Frank Lampard is expected to remain in his current role as Blues interim head coach. With the Pochettino to Chelsea rumours rife, Lampard was asked whether he had been told anything, but, as expected, the 44-year-old offered no update.
"I'm not going to get involved in any future manager talk because it's all speculation as you say. Simple as that," Lampard explained. Although his stay at the helm is expected to be over at the end of the season, it has been widely reported that Lampard will assist whoever becomes the club's permanent manager to help them understand the squad they are inheriting.
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If Pochettino is appointed, it will certainly be a busy first few months for the 51-year-old with several decisions needing to be made in the summer transfer window. Outgoings before June 30 will be crucial for Todd Boehly and Co. in order to meet an FFP deadline and balance the books.
The future of Romelu Lukaku is also going to be decided with his loan spell at Inter expiring in the summer. After an awful first half of the season with injuries plaguing the Belgian forward, he has been in fine goal scoring form in recent months and after his brace at the weekend, he was asked about his future.
"Future? I have to be careful [on what he says]," he revealed. "Pay attention... I want to focus on Inter and give my best for this club game after game. I'm always doing my best for Inter and I like the fans, the relationship is great."
Lukaku's temporary departure at the start of the season was filled with bad blood, however, according to the Telegraph, he will be asked if he wishes to be a part of the new Chelsea era expected to be under Pochettino.
The moment to discuss his future now looks to be known, with Chelsea setting a meeting with Inter where they also plan to make an official approach for another star playing at San Siro.
According to Evening Standard, Chelsea have scheduled a meeting next week with Inter to discuss the future of Lukaku and also a potential transfer for Andre Onana. A new goalkeeper is one of the priorities for the summer window, with a striker and holding midfielder also high up on the wish list.
Onana joins David Raya and Gregor Kobel as the main shot-stoppers the Blues have their eyes on. The report also adds that Kepa Arrizabalaga or Edouard Mendy will be offered in a swap deal for Onana, but it is unknown whether Inter would accept that deal.
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