Chelsea hold talks with Luis Enrique over managerial role

Chelsea have opened talks with former Spanish head coach Luis Enrique over their managerial role, reports Diario AS.

The Blues are scouring their options to appoint a new manager following Graham Potter’s dismissal, shortlisting several high-profile targets.

The former Barcelona boss is available since leaving the Spanish national team following their World Cup exit. He also recently expressed his desire to manage in the Premier League.

Enrique’s former assistant Ivan de la Pena, also a football agent, is taking care of the negotiations with the Blues on his behalf.

The Spaniard’s aspiration for a long-term project with the chances of winning more titles falls in line with Chelsea, who have spent an insane amount of money in the last two transfer windows under their billionaire owner Todd Boehly.

The Blues’ sporting director Christopher Vivell is an admirer of Enrique and has placed him high on the club’s wishlist.

Potter’s reign at Stamford Bridge was a massive disappointment as his lack of experience at a top-level club was exposed.

However, it should be a different story for Enrique, who led Barcelona to a continental treble in 2014/15 and also made a name for himself by reviving the Spanish national team into one of the most exciting sides in Europe during his tenure.

The Blues could face competition from fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are also interested in Enrique following Antonio Conte’s exit.

Julian Nagelsmann, who was recently sacked by Bayern Munich, is another top contender and is open to moving to Stamford Bridge.

Boehly aims to bring in a new manager before the crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid next week.

Potter’s assistant Bruno Saltor is currently serving as the Blues’ interim manager.