Chelsea 'agree contract' with top manager target

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as they move one step closer to hiring their next boss, a report has revealed.

Maresca was quickly included on the shortlist of potential replacements for Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of the season, and was established as the top target on Monday.

Chelsea are keen to act quick and numerous reports, including from Fabrizio Romano, note that a contract has already been agreed with Maresca, who has made it clear he wants to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

A deal is yet to be struck with Leicester, however. Maresca's contract with the Championship winners includes a release clause of £9m - a figure which jumped up after the Foxes' title win.

Chelsea's interest in Maresca is understood to be driven by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. According to the Evening Standard, the duo have convinced Chelsea's co-owners to make a move for the Italian.

Maresca impressed Chelsea officials with his possession-based style, which led Leicester to the top of the Championship during his first season in charge.

Before joining Leicester, Maresca spent a year working as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, having also impressed in a season working as the manager of City's Under-23 setup.

Maresca, who has also been an assistant with Sevilla and West Ham United, only had one prior stint as a senior manager prior to joining Leicester. He signed on with Parma in May 2021 but managed just 14 games before being relieved of his duties and returning to City.

In total, Maresca has overseen just 67 matches of senior football but now appears set for a huge jump up to the Chelsea job.

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