Graham Potter has agreed in principle to become Chelsea’s new manager following the shock dismissal of Thomas Tuchel, according to widespread reports on Thursday.
Chelsea’s new US owner is understood to have paid a release fee on the Brighton boss’s deal, and his club allows Bruce to speak to the manager.
The former Swansea City and Östersund coach is expected to secure a deal with Chelsea in time to take charge of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.
Chelsea have made initial contact with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim, and are understood to be considering Zinedine Zidane and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers.
Potter was reportedly at a training ground in Brighton on Thursday.
Touted as a future England manager, the 47-year-old has won a legion of fans for his charming style of play, and despite Brighton running on a tight budget, the Premier League We are in 4th place early on.
Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday after suffering a third defeat in just seven games this season.
His relationship with players was reportedly deteriorating and tensions were brewing with the owners of Stamford Bridge.
Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel led Chelsea to the 2021 Champions League title and Club World Cup crown earlier this year.
Chelsea, which was acquired by Todd Boley’s consortium in late May, defended the timing of the decision, which is understood to have been agreed before Tuesday’s Champions League group-stage opener defeat to Dinamo Zagreb 1-0.
Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League after six games, five points behind leaders Arsenal and fourth in the standings.
