Graham Potter was today locked in talks with Chelsea – and it his job if he wants it.
Brighton gave Chelsea permission to talk to Potter and will be due a staggering £20m compensation package if he takes over at Stamford Bridge.
Potter, 47, is Chelsea’s No1 target to succeed Thomas Tuchel after the German was sensationally sacked on Wednesday following the Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
It was a shock departure just 17 months after Tuchel led Chelsea to the Champions League but comes in the wake of a turbulent summer under new owner Todd Boehly.
US tycoon Boehly has been alarmed by results and Tuchel’s recent comments about the drop in form and performances as well as concerns voiced from the dressing room despite spending £250m on new signings this summer.
Tuchel will be due around £17m in compensation and it is clear that the new ownership also want to bring in their own people having already seen the likes of Bruce Buck and Petr Cech depart senior roles.
They want Potter as a long term option as manager because of his style of play, man management but also ability to build a project and direction for the team and club.
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Potter travelled for talks with Chelsea who are courting him but it is understood that he will want assurances and answers before he decides to quit Brighton.
Former Swansea and Ostersunds boss Potter took over at Brighton in 2019, has worked wonders at the AmEx and has even been touted as the next logical England boss after Gareth Southgate.
Brighton want him to stay but realise that Chelsea is a big draw and have already had dealings with the Blues this summer and there is a connection with Marc Cucurella moving to Stamford Bridge for £60m with Levi Colwill and Billy Gilmour going the other way.
Chelsea could look to Mauricio Pochettino if they do not secure Potter but the strong belief at Stamford Bridge is they will be able to persuade him to join and hope to get an appointment in place before Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
