Michael Edwards rules himself out of Chelsea sporting director role, as Todd Boehly's search goes on - reports

Chelsea’s player recruitment plans have hit a bump in the road with reports emerging that Michael Edwards has turned down the chance to become the club’s sporting director. David Ornstein revealed the news is his column for The Athletic, with the well-respected football executive eager to take a break away from the sport after more than a decade at Liverpool.

Ad Co-owner Todd Boehly has been taking the lead on the club’s transfer activity since his consortium took over the club in May. Premier LeagueConte, Tuchel and the handshake that's entered Premier League folklore – The Warm-Up3 HOURS AGO The west Londoners have had a busy summer of recruitment, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Raheem Sterling all arriving from Napoli, Brighton and Manchester City respectively.

Once the current transfer window shuts, Boehly is keen to make a permanent appointment for the role, and Edwards was the frontrunner for the job. Edwards has extensive experience and aside from a 10-year spell on Merseyside, he also spent two years at Tottenham Hotspur was previously employed by Portsmouth.

Conte, Tuchel and the handshake that's entered Premier League folklore – The Warm-Up 'You love it' — Tuchel unrepentant over clash with Conte The Blues are now looking elsewhere for the job, but many of the potential candidates are currently in roles elsewhere meaning an appointment is unlikely to be made this month. One of the key issues to address at Stamford Bridge is the future of Armando Broja, who has attracted the eye of several Premier League sides which include West Ham and Everton.