De Zerbi, Frank, Maresca and McKenna on Chelsea’s final shortlist
Latest from Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
Chelsea’s final four-person shortlist for their head coaching vacancy comprises Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Enzo Maresca and Kieran McKenna.
Despite his sacking by Barcelona, the Blues are not considering a move for Xavi.
Chelsea want a dynamic, forward-thinking and progressive coach who fits in with the club’s ideology.
The west London side would also prefer their new head coach to have experience of coaching in English football at a high level.
De Zerbi is available after mutually parting ways with Brighton, who he guided into Europe last season.
Frank has consistently impressed at Brentford, who he has helped turn into a stable Premier League side, while Maresca and McKenna guided Leicester and Ipswich, respectively, to promotion to the Premier League this season.
McKenna is also liked by Brighton and Manchester United, should they sack Erik ten Hag.
Maresca waiting on Chelsea after turning down Sevilla
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca is waiting for Chelsea to decide if they will appoint him as their new head coach after turning down an approach from Sevilla, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues will have to pay around €10m (£8.6m) for the manager, who guided Leicester back into the Premier League this season.
Maresca is joined by Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna on Chelsea’s final shortlist as they search for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.
Brentford’s Frank meets with Chelsea and Man Utd
Thomas Frank has held multiple meetings with Chelsea about replacing Mauricio Pochettino, according to Bild.
The Brentford boss has also spoken to Manchester United, who are considering Erik ten Hag’s future.
Frank was also discussed by Bayern Munich before they moved to appoint Vincent Kompany as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement.
Chelsea moving on from McKenna?
Chelsea’s interest in recruiting Kieran McKenna to replace Mauricio Pochettino has diminished, Ipswich-based outlet TWTD understands.
Chelsea are believed to have held talks with McKenna’s representatives following Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent earlier this week.
But, while McKenna is understood to have been under serious consideration, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi now appears the frontrunner for the job, with Leicester’s Enzo Maresca – who had initially been their first choice – still in the running.
Manchester United are thought to be McKenna’s preferred destination should he leave Portman Road this summer, given his previous history at Old Trafford and lifetime support of the club.
Brighton remain very interested in making McKenna the successor to De Zerbi, who left by mutual consent at the end of the season, but it’s understood they will not wait around for too much longer before moving onto other targets.
Al Hilal rival Chelsea for Milan forward Leao
Chelsea are facing competition from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who are reportedly willing to pay £85m in exchange for Rafael Leao, says the Sunday Express.
The AC Milan winger has developed into one of the best attackers in Europe in recent years and has been linked with a big-money move away from the San Siro.
Leao is said to be attracting attention from a whole host of top clubs, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also thought to be in the running to sign him.
Monaco consider Broja as Ben Yedder replacement
Monaco are considering Chelsea’s Armando Broja as a replacement for captain Wissam Ben Yedder, according to L’Equipe.
Ben Yedder is leaving the Ligue 1 side at the end of his contract and they are compiling a shortlist of potential new strikers – including Broja, who could be available for around €20m (£17m).
Broja spent the first half of the season with Chelsea before joining Fulham on loan in January, but scored just once in 21 Premier League appearances.
‘Chelsea prepared to listen to Gallagher, Chalobah offers’
Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah are expected to move closer to Chelsea exits in the wake of Mauricio Pochettino‘s departure, according to the Evening Standard.
Gallagher has one year remaining on his current contract, while Chalobah has four, but the pair are said to want to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer.
The club, however, are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for the home-grown duo.
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