Chelsea Given Permission By Leicester To Speak To Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have been given permission by Leicester to speak to their head coach Enzo Maresca over succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will fly to Marbella for face-to-face talks with Maresca.

The Italian’s release clause at Leicester is understood to be between £8m and £10m, with an agreement between the clubs expected to be straightforward if Chelsea meet the clause.

The Blues have been impressed by the depth and breadth of Maresca’s knowledge about their squad in talks with his representatives, and are impressed by his single-minded focus on the way Chelsea want to play and his desire for the job.

READ ALSO: EPL: Maresca, McKenna, Frank Top List Of Chelsea Managerial Shortlist

The 44-year-old’s obsession with possession and positional play has made him the leading candidate to replace Pochettino.

An appointment could be made in the next few days if and when an agreement is reached with Leicester over compensation.

Kieran McKenna was told by phone on Sunday that Chelsea were looking elsewhere but they are great admirers of his achievements at Ipswich Town.

READ ALSO: EPL: Chelsea Confirm Pochettino’s Exit After One Season In Charge

They also like and respect Thomas Frank and everything he has done at Brentford, while Roberto De Zerbi was also a leading candidate with what they consider a very impressive CV.

The new Chelsea head coach will sign a contract which will be longer than the two-year deal Pochettino accepted last summer, before he left the club by mutual consent last week.