Graham Potter has agreed in principle to become Chelsea’s new manager after the shock sacking of Thomas Tuchel, according to reports on Thursday.
Chelsea’s new owners are understood to have met a release fee in the Brighton boss’s contract, with his club allowing the Blues to talk to their manager.
The former Swansea City and Ostersunds coach is expected to have his Chelsea deal finalised in time for him to take charge of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday, football journalist Fabrizio Romano had earlier said; “Graham Potter will be appointed as new Chelsea manager, as expected Agreement in place, contracts now being prepared as proposal has been accepted. Here we go. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea will complete the agreement with Brighton in the next hours.”
Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday morning after tensions grew between the German and co-owner Todd Boehly.
Chelsea spent more money in the summer transfer window than any other Premier League club, signing the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana for close to £300million.
After just three wins from their opening seven fixtures in all competitions, the Blues’ ownership took the decision to sack Tuchel, with a replacement expected to be appointed before the clash against Fulham this weekend.
Tuchel, a former Paris Saint-Germain boss, led Chelsea to the 2021 Champions League title and the Club World Cup crown earlier this year.
Chelsea, bought by Todd Boehly’s consortium in late May, defended the timing of the decision, which is understood to have been agreed before the shock 1-0 loss at Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League group stage opener on Tuesday.
Chelsea are understood to have made initial contact with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim, as well as considering Zinedine Zidane and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers.
Potter was reportedly at Brighton’s training ground on Thursday.
The 47-year-old, who has been touted as a future England manager, has won many admirers for his attractive playing style and has Brighton sitting fourth in the early Premier League table despite operating on a limited budget.