Mauricio Pochettino is in pole position to land the Chelsea job, after a series of positive talks with the club.
Discussions are expected to continue this week, led by the Blues’ co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, but the former Tottenham boss is considered the clear front-runner.
Feyenoord’s Arne Slot and Burnley head coach Vincent Kompany are also understood to remain on the Blues’ shortlist, but there is a feeling that the latter is considered more as a potential candidate for the future.
Julian Nagelsmann, the out-of-work former Bayern Munich boss, has pulled out of the running following talks with Chelsea, a decision which is thought to be mutual, while Luis Enrique, who is also a free agent after being sacked by Spain, is no longer thought to be a leading contender after interviewing.
Chelsea had reservations about Pochettino’s emotional attachment to Spurs, where he spent five-and-a-half years before he was sacked in November 2019, but the Blues hierarchy have been encouraged by the reaction of their fanbase, with most broadly receptive to the Argentine joining.
Key members of Chelsea’s squad are also said to be excited by the prospect of the 51-year-old taking charge, given his style of play and record at improving players, particularly youth prospects.
Pochettino is out of work after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last summer. He guided them to the French title in his first full season in charge but failed to deliver the club’s ultimate goal, the Champions League trophy.
Pochettino is of long-term interest to Real Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti expects to remain at the club next season, while he is the choice of Spurs supporters’ to fill their vacant managerial position.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has not approached Pochettino, however, and it is unlikely he would be receptive to a late call.
