Brighton manager Graham Potter is the man Chelsea’s American owners want to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel.
The Stamford Bridge club have been granted permission by Brighton to formally discuss the vacancy with Potter.
Sportsmail has been told that Potter is Chelsea’s No 1 target to replace Tuchel, who was sacked this morning.
Should Chelsea’s talks with Potter go according to plan, the expectancy is that the current Seagulls boss will be offered the job as new Chelsea head coach.
Sources have indicated that Potter is fully open to taking over at Stamford Bridge and that reaching an agreement for him to join Chelsea will be straightforward.
Indeed, unless there is a breakdown, Potter could be in position by the weekend when Chelsea take on Fulham.
Brighton have given Chelsea permission to discuss their newly vacant managerial position with Graham Potter
Former PSG and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is another favourite for the job
Potter is understood to have a release clause – of at least £12million – in his contract meaning Brighton are powerless to prevent their manager from leaving.
Sportsmail understands the clause includes the release of the majority of Potter’s staff at the Amex.
Potter is settled at Brighton, who have started the season excellently.
However, sources have indicated to Sportsmail that Potter would give serious consideration to leaving the Seagulls for a club competing in the Champions League.
If Chelsea’s move for Potter fails to materialise then Mauricio Pochettino is also viewed as a strong candidate.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly (right) sensationally sacked Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday
Thomas Tuchel was sacked this morning just hours after his side’s defeat against Dinamo Zagreb.
Pochettino is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer meaning he is available for nothing.
It is understood Pochettino is aware of Chelsea’s interest, but Potter’s emergence as the club’s preferred option leaves the Argentine playing a waiting game.
Zinedine Zidane would also be of interest to Chelsea bosses – but he wants to take over from Didier Deschamps as France manager after the World Cup.
Tuchel cut a disconsolate figure as Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday
Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League and have made a miserable start to their Champions League campaign, with Tuchel disposed of hours after their humbling 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb, his…