Chelsea now have 'increased chances' of move for 96-goal star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have ‘already scouted’ Brighton & Hove Albion star Leandro Trossard and the appointment of Graham Potter as their new boss will ‘increase the chances’ of a January move to Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Potter has been unveiled as Thomas Tuchel’s successor, following the German’s sacking on Wednesday, and it has emerged that the Blues’ hierarchy have been showing an interest in acquiring one of his former players at the Amex Stadium.

Having already raided Brighton during the summer window, after parting with £62million to sign Marc Cucurella, Chelsea have looked at swooping for Trossard.

Phillips has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the winger was on a shortlist of targets ahead of last week’s transfer deadline.

However, Chelsea have not been the only Premier League club coveting Trossard in recent months as, according to RTBF, via The Sun, Manchester United and Newcastle United wanted to seal his arrival in the summer.

The 27-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his £43,000-per-week contract at the Amex Stadium, leaving Brighton in a precarious situation as January will represent their final opportunity to cash-in unless they succeed in negotiating fresh terms.

New Chelsea chief Potter brought Trossard to English football for the first time in his career as Brighton forked out £15million to acquire him from Genk three years ago.

Phillips understands that the Chelsea hierarchy have been keeping tabs on Trossard’s situation and sent club representatives to watch him in action.

The journalist feels the appointment of Potter will bolster the chances of the Belgian heading to west London when the transfer window reopens.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “The fact that the Chelsea board have