Premier League
Chelsea In Advanced Talks With Leicester Coach Enzo Maresca
Chelsea is said to be in advanced discussions to appoint Enzo Maresca from Leicester as their next head coach.
The Italian, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City until last summer, has successfully led Leicester back to the Premier League after their relegation just a year ago.
This, along with the playing style he used to achieve promotion, has impressed the Chelsea hierarchy who are seeking a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino following their one-season stint together.
Reports indicate that Chelsea has requested permission to engage in discussions with Maresca, with Leicester potentially requiring compensation, with reports mentioning a figure of £10 million.
Thomas Frank from Brentford and Kieran McKenna, who helped Ipswich secure promotion from the Sky Bet Championship alongside Leicester, are also reportedly in the running for the position.
McKenna has been connected with Manchester United and Brighton, but recent reports have suggested that he is set to remain at Ipswich Town and sign a new contract.
Chelsea’s search for Pochettino’s successor, who left on good terms due to disagreements with the club regarding his football-related responsibilities, is being managed by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
The final decision on any appointment must be approved by the club’s co-owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, who has reportedly shown little enthusiasm for Pochettino continuing in the role, and Jose E Feliciano.
