Mauricio Pochettino: Chelsea in talks with ex-Tottenham boss to become new manager

Chelsea are in advanced talks to make former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino their new manager.

Chelsea want a quick resolution and believe they are at the end of the process in their search for a permanent replacement for Graham Potter.

Pochettino would take over from interim manager Frank Lampard.

Lampard took charge of the Blues after they sacked Potter at the start of April, but has lost all four of his games in charge.

It is not known yet whether Pochettino, who has been out of work since Paris St-Germain sacked him in July 2022, will take over immediately or whether Lampard will stay on as planned until the end of the season.

The Argentine said no to an initial approach from Chelsea, but now the club are happy to hand him more control. He is looking for a job that allows him to have input and impact beyond the selection of the first 11.

Pochettino managed Spurs for five years from 2014 and led them to the 2019 Champions League final, which they lost to Liverpool.

He was sacked by Tottenham in November 2019 after they made a disappointing start to the following campaign and were 14th in the Premier League at the time of his departure.

During his time with Spurs, he also guided them to the League Cup final in 2015 and a Premier League runners-up spot in 2016-17, with his side missing out on winning both to Chelsea.

Pochettino was also the Tottenham manager during an infamous game against Chelsea in May 2016 in which his side picked up nine yellow cards, and the hosts three.

Spurs took a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge, but were held 2-2, a result that ended their title hopes and confirmed Leicester City as Premier League champions.

Pochettino had been linked with a return to Tottenham after Antonio Conte left in March but instead looks set to join their London rivals.