Chelsea have joined Manchester United for the right to hire Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager.
The Blues are already rumoured to be willing to move Maurizio Sarri on in the summer, less than a year after joining the club, according to a report in The Express.
The Italian took over the job from compatriot Antonio Conte last July, instigating a brief revival in the team’s form at the beginning of the season, but recent results have seen Chelsea fall back into the Top Four race when it appeared certain they would qualify for the Champions League regardless at one point.
It is believed owner Roman Abramovich has been displeased with their slide in form, and would favour Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement should he choose to move on from his current manager in the near future.
Such a move would be costly however, as Chelsea would be required to pay around £50m in compensation after Pochettino signed a new five-year contract at Spurs last year.
They would also have to pay off the remainder of Sarri’s contract, and top whatever Manchester United would offer Pochettino in terms of salary as well.
That’s assuming Daniel Levy will even entertain the idea of his top asset leaving the club or if the Argentine coach even wants to leave after this season.