Graham Potter verbally agrees to take Chelsea manager’s job

Graham Potter has verbally agreed to take the Chelsea manager’s job after holding talks. Terms are not finalised for the 47-year-old to join from Brighton but Chelsea are confident of appointing him.

Chelsea made Potter their No 1 target after sacking Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday and swiftly received permission from Brighton to speak to him. A substantial compensation payment – understood to be about £16m – will need to be paid.

Potter was at Brighton’s training ground on Thursday but talks will continue later in the day. He has previously managed Östersund, Swansea and Brighton. He lifted the Swedish club into the top flight and led them into the Europa League, and achieved his highest Premier League finish last season with Brighton ninth.

More details to follow …