Chelsea appear to have taken a leap towards the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino over the weekend. The 51-year-old has been heavily linked with filling the head coach vacancy at Stamford Bridge, and he's recently emerged as the favourite for the job.
football.london understands that the Blues have held 'very positive talks' with Pochettino thus far, with Todd Boehly hopeful of appointing a permanent successor to Graham Potter at the end of the season. While the west Londoners are yet to reach an agreement with the former Tottenham boss, there is confidence among both parties that a deal can be struck.
As negotiations progress, The Times have reported that Boehly and Behdad Eghbali met in Los Angeles to discuss the signing of Pochettino. The Chelsea co-owners were spotted in attendance at a Los Angeles Lakers game on Friday evening, and Eghbali was even asked for an update by a fan.
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When asked if Pochettino will be named next Blues boss, Eghbali remained coy while gesturing 50-50 with his hand. He replied: "Maybe, maybe."
With talks ongoing, The Times add that the former Spurs boss is expected to ask for four members of backroom staff to follow him to west London. Pochettino wants to be joined by his assistant Jesus Perez, first-team coach Miguel D'Agostino, goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano, his son, who works as a sports scientist.
The Evening Standard also state that the Argentinian wants 'significant influence' over the direction of the club, which would likely include transfers. Pochettino does not have an agent so he has been representing himself – and it seems as if he's doing a good job.
If he is offered the job at Chelsea, Gary Neville has backed him to transform Chelsea's fortunes. Speaking on The Overlap, the former Manchester United defender said: "Chelsea played Liverpool and there was something in that game that you saw in that collection of players and you thought they could be brought together by a talented coach.
"Pochettino I think is a really talented coach and I think Chelsea next year could really cause a surprise, just by Pochettino bringing the club together because he will. He’s likeable and the players will respect him enormously.
"He has worked at PSG and worked with big players, worked at Tottenham, worked at Southampton where he did a great job."
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