Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali has dropped a massive hint that Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the club's new head coach. The Argentine has held positive talks with the club after moving into place as the front-runner last week.
It comes as the new regime at Stamford Bridge search for their third permanent manager in 11 months since taking over. The 51-year-old former Tottenham boss is now in the clear to be appointed ahead of the new season.
The Times reported that key talks would be held in LA over the weekend to make a final decision over Pochettino and their presence in America has been confirmed after Todd Boehly and Eghbali were spotted at the LA Lakers' game on Saturday.
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Boehly has a minority stake in the NBA side and watched them seal progression to the next round after a 4-2 win over Memphis Grizzlies but for Chelsea fans their presence was important in other ways. Both Boehly and Eghbali were pictured at the game but it was a video of the latter that seems to all but confirm Pochettino's proximity to the new role.
Recorded by a fan, Eghbali is asked inside the arena "Who is the next Chelsea coach?" to which he asked: "Who do you want?"
The fan once more responded, saying: "You're getting Pochettino, right?" Eghbali then smiled, winked and said "Maybe, maybe" whilst making a 50-50 hand gesture with his hand at the same time.
The Blues are next in action against Arsenal on Tuesday in a key game for the title race at the Emirates Stadium and Pochettino could be announced before then. It is Frank Lampard who is likely to be in charge for the derby though with the caretaker boss holding his position until the end of the season.
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