Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly making headway in his negotiations with Chelsea over becoming the club’s new manager, as he has already informed the club’s hierarchy of which players he intends to keep and which he plans to sell.
It is believed the Argentine coach has his sights set on assembling a young core of players, with Reece James identified as a key figure.
Pochettino is no stranger to such a plan, having enjoyed success with Tottenham Hotspur where he helped develop the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli.
According to The Independent, he has already begun to make a start of his plans at Stamford Bridge after outlining which players he will seek to build around and which players he will offload to generate cash.
Pochettino has already told his backroom staff including his long-time assistant coach Jesus Perez to prepare for their next challenge with an agreement now thought to be close.
Chelsea’s squad is believed to be in need of a major overhaul, with many players rumoured to be on the exit list, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Several players are also out on loan, including Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Chelsea fans will be hoping Pochettino can bring success back to the club after a dismal season under former coach Frank Lampard.
The current Chelsea squad has struggled with a lack of consistency and an inability to create enough scoring opportunities.
Pochettino’s successful track record at Spurs, which included a strong attacking style of play, has many fans hopeful that he can bring that same success to Stamford Bridge.
While there is no indication that Pochettino will be appointed before the end of the season, it is widely expected that he will take over from Lampard, who has been serving as caretaker boss.
The club has struggled in recent weeks, losing five consecutive matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford on Wednesday night.
Chelsea fans will be eager for the club to finalise the deal with Pochettino and begin a new era at the club, one that is built around a young, dynamic core of players and an attacking, entertaining style of play. With Pochettino at the helm, the Blues could be set for a return to their glory days.
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