Graham Potter has agreed in principle to become Chelsea’s new manager following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, according to widespread reports on Thursday.
Chelsea’s new manager is understood to have paid a release fee in the Brighton boss’ contract and his club allowed the Blues to speak to their manager.
The former Swansea City and Ostersund manager is expected to get his Chelsea deal done in time for him to take charge of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.
Chelsea are understood to have made initial contacts with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim , and Brendan Rodgers considering Zidane Zidane and Leicester.
Porter was reportedly at Brighton’s training ground on Thursday.
The 47-year-old has been touted as a future England manager, and his charming style of play has won many admirers. Despite a limited budget, Brighton had an early Premier League run. 4th in the standings.
There have been reports that the German’s relationship with his players has soured, with tensions with the Stamford Bridge bosses.
Tuchel, the former Paris Saint-Germain boss led Chelsea to the 2021 Champions League and Club World Cup earlier this year.
Chelsea, bought by Todd Boley’s consortium in late May, have defended the timing of the decision, a 1-0 loss to Sarawak in Tuesday’s Champions League group opener, it is understood reached before Dinamo Greb.
Chelsea are three points behind the top four and five behind leaders Arsenal after six games in the Premier League.
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