Enzo Maresca is now thought to be in pole position to become Chelsea’s new manager.
The Blues are understood to have approached Leicester for permission to progress official talks with the Foxes boss.
Maresca and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi had both hoped to have done enough to convince Chelsea’s chiefs they are the right man to take the Stamford Bridge helm.
But now the 44-year-old Maresca appears to be primed to win the battle to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca, De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have been the final three contenders for the Chelsea job, after the Blues moved away from Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna.
Chelsea’s chiefs have been conducting a swift but thorough process to recruit a replacement for Pochettino, who left the Blues by mutual consent last week.
Former Manchester City assistant coach Maresca led Leicester to the Championship title this term, having spent time learning his trade under Pep Guardiola.
Maresca has won strong admirers among the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, notably co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
The duo are understood to have proposed Maresca as the outstanding candidate as the Blues’ new manager.
The Stamford Bridge club owners are now thought to have been convinced of Maresca’s suitability.
Maresca himself is understood to want the job, and Chelsea will have to pay compensation to Leicester in the region of £9million to prise him away from the East Midlands club.
Former Tottenham boss Pochettino turned Chelsea’s 11th place in April into a sixth-place finish, with the club qualifying for next term’s Europa Conference League.
The 52-year-old had already left the Blues before their ultimate European destination had been determined however, with that resting on Saturday’s FA Cup final result.
Manchester United’s 2-1 win over rivals City meant Chelsea missed out on Europa League qualification.
Pochettino became an immediate option for United upon leaving Chelsea, and remains in consideration by Old Trafford chiefs.
