Chelsea hold talks with Leicester's Enzo Maresca to take over as manager

Chelsea are reportedly holding talks to make Leicester City's Enzo Maresca their new manager.

The Italian was Pep Guardiola's assistant at champions Manchester City until last year. He has overseen an immediate return to the Premier League for the Foxes following their relegation 12 months ago.

The Chelsea hierarchy are looking for a successor to Mauricio Pochettino after they parted ways with the Argentine after just one season. Maresca's style of football is said to have impressed the Chelsea board, with Sky Sportsreporting that the Blues had asked Leicester for permission to speak directly to Maresca on Monday.

The BBCreported that Leicester would be seeking £8-10 million in compensation for Maresca. It is also believed Maresca will fit in the club structure with his prior knowledge of the squad.

His stint as Guardiola’s assistant is also being seen positively, with Chelsea board members impressed with the rebuilding job Mikel Arteta, another Guardiola assistant, has done at Arsenal after leaving City.

According to the BBC, "Chelsea believe they are building an elite structure and hope that a hands-on, tactically proficient coach can get the best out of their expensively assembled squad".

Brentford's Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich Town to top-flight promotion behind Leicester, were also linked with the vacant position.

Mauricio Pochettino ❌ Jose Mourinho ❌ Enzo Maresca ✅

Leicester midfielder Harry Winks calls manager Enzo Maresca "by far the best manager" he's worked for