Chelsea agree terms with Mauricio Pochettino to take over as manager

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take over as Chelsea’s new head coach after extensive talks with the Stamford Bridge club.

Chelsea have been looking for a new manager since firing Graham Potter last month. Pochettino will be the third permanent manager to work under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake capital ownership since they bought the club last year. Nothing has been signed yet but confirmation of the Argentinian’s appointment should come soon.

Pochettino, out of work since leaving PSG last summer, emerged as the favourite after Chelsea held talks with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann.

The former Tottenham manager will need patience as Chelsea look to rebuild after a difficult season. The 51-year-old will inherit a bloated squad at Stamford bridge. Chelsea, who will not be in Europe next season, have spent close to £600m on new signings in the past year. They will need to sell players this summer.

Chelsea hired Potter after firing Thomas Tuchel in September. Potter struggled to make his presence felt and Chelsea, who are facing the prospect of finishing in the bottom half, ended up installing Frank Lampard as interim head coach last month. Lampard has one win in eight games.

More details to follow …