There is still no agreement in place between Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino despite confidence being high that a deal can be struck between both parties, football.london understands.
Monday of this week proved to be a crucial day in negotiations between the two parties and the Argentine has now emerged as the clear front-runner for the role that was left vacant after Graham Potter's sacking earlier in the month. Pochettino does not have an agent, so the 51-year-old has been representing himself in talks with Chelsea's board, with negotiations progressing well thus far.
Any deal for Pochettino to take over at Chelsea is likely to be at the end of the season, football.london has been told, despite Frank Lampard coming under increasing pressure as interim boss. That means Lampard, despite losing his first five matches in charge on his return to the club, is likely to remain as interim head coach until the end of the season.
READ MORE: Chelsea's major Mauricio Pochettino dilemma evident after more debatable Frank Lampard decisions
Lampard's Chelsea side were beaten 2-0 at home to Brentford on Wednesday evening with the team leaving the field to a chorus of boos from the Stamford Bridge crowd. "I've no problem with it [the crowd booing], I completely understand it," Lampard said.
"I know these fans very well and they stick by their team. They feel down because they are used to success and they want that success al the time as we all do. I absolutely understand it, we as players and staff have to take it on the chin because they want results.
"I can say to the fans now that the players are showing application. Brentford had one shot on target and scored two goals, that kind of says it all."
Pochettino, if he does take over as expected, will have a massive task on his hands to try and turn the club's on-pitch fortunes around. The club's board, though, believe the former Tottenham manager is the right man to do just that and are prepared to wait until the end of the season before he officially starts his role.
READ NEXT:
What Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Noni Madueke did at full-time as Chelsea scramble for answers
Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford as Aubameyang and Mudryk cannot prevent Blues defeat
Every word Frank Lampard said on Chelsea jeopardy, exonerating players, Cucurella and Aubameyang
Chelsea given perfect Mauricio Pochettino verdict as Todd Boehly urged to sell £75m trio
£217m in, £284m out: Mauricio Pochettino can rip up Todd Boehly Chelsea plan with 25 transfers
