Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite for the vacant managerial role at Chelsea, with Julian Nagelsmann no longer in contention.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea are working with a three-man shortlist which includes Vincent Kompany, but Pochettino is in pole position to secure the job.
Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann was initially considered the favourite for the permanent role but has dropped out of the race after holding talks with the Chelsea bosses.
Former Spain and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique was also a front-runner but has slipped out of contention, with Tottenham also hot on his trail.
Pochettino has been a free agent since leaving Paris Saint-Germain after just one season in charge, where he led Les Parisiens to the French league title and a domestic cup trophy.
The Argentine has been linked with a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid, who could need a new manager next summer, while Spurs is also a potential destination.
However, the 51-year-old has yet to be contacted by his former employers and could now switch allegiance to London rivals Chelsea.
They are keen to complete an exhaustive search for a new permanent manager, with several other names touted for the job, including Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim and Palmeiras’ Abel Ferreira.
Pochettino will have no problem joining Chelsea, but will hold further talks with the club before a final decision is made.
Former Manchester City defender Kompany is also reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist barely a year into his return to the English football pyramid.
The Belgian has guided Burnley to Premier League promotion, having won the Championship by a landslide with his side leading second-placed Sheffield United by ten points.
An unnamed manager, who is liked and respected by Chelsea, is also in the running. But there is reportedly momentum gathering behind Pochettino, who has held a series of positive talks with Chelsea this week.
Pochettino ticks several boxes for the Blues, especially his ability to develop young players who the Chelsea owners have spent heavily on since taking over.
Chelsea are keen to announce a new permanent manager within the next ten days. Frank Lampard will take charge of the team until the end of the season.
