Breakthrough agreed for Mauricio Pochettino as Jim Ratcliffe eyes Man Utd appointment

 

Mauricio Pochettino deal agreed

Chelsea reached an agreement with former Tottenham, Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino as the 51-year-old is set to takeover at Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.

After holding positive talks with the club last month the thorough and exhaustive process of narrowing down the perfect candidate to become Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital’s third permanent head coaches has reached its conclusion. Although Pochettino is yet to sign his contract it is expected that he will pen the deal and join when this season is over, replacing interim boss Frank Lampard.

Pochettino has been out of work since last year when he left PSG and will bring with him Jesus Perez as assistant manager along with a key group of backroom staff that have followed him throughout his managerial career.

Graham Potter return

Former Chelsea boss is wanted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe should the INEOS owner be granted a takeover at Manchester United, according to reports. The Mirror write that that Ratcliffe, who has expressed interest in Chelsea previously, is confident of completing at takeover at Old Trafford with final bids being submitted several weeks ago.

In a shock move, though, it is said that Potter, who left Chelsea earlier this year after a dreadful run of results, is admired by the Englishman and is at the forefront of their minds.

Lampard’s transfer message

Frank Lampard dropped Kepa Arrizabalaga to the bench for Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday as the Blues came from behind. It didn’t go to plan for the 44-year-old with Edouard Mendy at fault for Taiwo Awoniyi’s opener, casting doubt on his long- term future at the club as well as Kepa’s.

The pair are both out of contract in 2025 and could be part of the mass exodus from SW6 this summer as Pochettino prepares to clearout the squad and bend it to his liking.