Chelsea closing in on Mauricio Pochettino as new manager

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Chelsea closing in on Mauricio Pochettino as new manager

Chelsea are moving closer to an agreement to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, 90min understands.

Following Julian Nagelsmann's decision to withdraw from proceedings, Chelsea have been focused on the former Tottenham boss and arranged a further round of talks as part of their efforts to find a permanent successor to Graham Potter.

Sources have now confirmed that Chelsea are inching closer to hiring Pochettino, although a contract has not been agreed and there is still plenty of work to be done.

Importantly, Pochettino has indicated a real willingness to take up the vacant position at Stamford Bridge and talks with the Blues hierarchy have given the impression that he has a real plan for the current squad.

Pochettino is understood to feel as though Chelsea are just a handful of signings away from once again competing for Premier League glory. A new striker is likely to be on the boss' wish list and Chelsea have long been working on recruiting Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

An initial approach for Pochettino was rebuffed earlier this season, with the Argentine understood to have had doubts about the structure at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea have since added more experience to their behind-the-scenes team and Pochettino is believed to have more confidence about the project on offer.

The boss' former Tottenham links are not expected to be a problem among either the board or the Chelsea fanbase.

While Pochettino is emerging as the favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea continue to do their due diligence on potential alternatives in case talks with Pochettino break down.

Burnley's Vincent Kompany, Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim and Napoli's Luciano Spalletti are among those with admirers at Chelsea, but the Blues appear focused on Pochettino as they seek to end the uncertainty in the dugout.