Chelsea switch focus to Leicester coach as new manager search continues

Maresca recently led Leicester to the Championship title and promoted the Foxes to the Premier League.

The Leicester manager has caught the eye of the Blues, who are still in search of a replacement for Pochettino.

Chelsea's top target is now Enzo Maresca and they have taken steps to inform Leicester about their interest.

Chelsea are currently negotiating a deal with Championship title winners Leicester City and are closing in on the deal.

Last week, Mauricio Pochettino left the Blues by mutual consent, and Chelsea is currently finalising a contract for Maresca.

According to the Telegraph, the Italian will cost Chelsea over £10 million in compensation, but he is currently the top choice over Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank of Brentford.

After making an impression during negotiations, Maresca is thought to be a perfect fit for the Chelsea board.

Maresca, a former Pep Guardiola assistant, has a reputation for possession-based football, something the Chelsea management finds appealing as they want to change course.

The Leicester manager is expected to follow Mikel Arteta at Arsenal as the most recent disciple of Guardiola to accept a position at a 'big-six' team.