Brithon have given Chelsea permission to discuss their newly vacant managerial position with Graham Potter.
Thomas Tuchel was sacked yesterday just hours after his side’s defeat against Dinamo Zagreb. Potter and Mauricio Pochettino have emerged as the top two early contenders for the position.
The Blues have now made their move for their No. 1 choice Potter – rated as one of the best emerging managers in England – who is now set to meet new owner Todd Boehly for talks over the role.
Extracting him from the Amex Stadium could prove expensive, with sources indicating that Brighton would be owed at least £10million from Chelsea, but that clause is not seen as an issue.
Potter is settled at Brighton, who have started the season excellently.
However, sources have indicated to Sportsmail that Potter would give serious consideration to leaving the Seagulls for a club competing in the Champions League.
Pochettino, meanwhile, is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer and would be prove an easier appointment given he is out of work.
However, the Argentine’s connections to Tottenham would be a consideration for all parties – nevertheless it is understood that early moves to discuss the role with Pochettino have taken place. Chelsea, though, will speak to Pochettino as a matter of urgency.
Zinedine Zidane would also be of interest to Chelsea bosses – but he wants to take over from Didier Deschamps as France manager after the World Cup.
Tuchel on Wednesday was brutally sacked just seven games into the new campaign and 100 days into Todd Boehly’s reign. Chelsea are paying £15million to get rid of Tuchel – with £13m going to him and £2m to his backroom staff.
Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League and have made a miserable start to their Champions League campaign, with Tuchel disposed of hours after their humbling 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb, his 100th match in charge. – MailOnline
