Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino will enter negotiations for a contract to be their new permanent manager in the next few days, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
Moretto’s report mainly covers Joao Felix‘s future and how Chelsea’s managerial hunt may affect it.
Blues co-owner Todd Boehly is said to be keen on signing the Portugal international permanently, but not at any price, with a player-plus-cash offer possibly on the card, too.
However, Felix’s future at Stamford Bridge will also depend on who will succeed Frank Lampard next season.
As widely reported, Moretto also suggests that former Tottenham Hotspur manager Pochettino is the leading candidate for the Chelsea job.
Interestingly, the journalist adds that “in the next few days, Pochettino will begin negotiating the terms of his contract with Chelsea”.
This may suggest that Pochettino is very close to becoming the next Chelsea manager
That said, this could also be due to Pochettino’s being a free agent, unlike Vincent Kompany or Ange Postecoglou, who are reportedly also in the running for the job, so he is free to negotiate contracts with any club.
With Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique no longer in the race, Pochettino is the highest-profile candidate on Chelsea’s list, and it will not be a surprise if he eventually secures the role.
The sooner Chelsea board make a decision the better, so the next manager can start planning for the next season, especially regarding the players who should be made available in the summer transfer window.
This will also include the decision on whether Chelsea will enter negotiations with Atletico Madrid for a permanent deal for Felix.
Moretto mentions that Newcastle United are also interested in the Portugal international.
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