Chelsea are closing in on Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, with the Leicester City manager currently in pole position to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, Sportivationng.com reports.
In discussions with his representatives, the Blues were struck by the depth and breadth of his knowledge about their squad, as well as his single-minded emphasis on the way Chelsea wants to play and his enthusiasm for the position.
His fixation with possession and positional play has propelled him to the top of the list.
Kieran McKenna was informed by phone on Sunday that Chelsea were seeking elsewhere, but they are big fans of his work at Ipswich Town.
They also appreciate and respect Thomas Frank and what he has done at Brentford, and Roberto De Zerbi was a strong candidate with a very outstanding CV.
The next Chelsea manager will sign a contract that will be lengthier than the two-year deal Pochettino took last summer, before leaving the club by mutual consent last week.
Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart compiled the final shortlist of suggested candidates, with the Chelsea ownership group, including co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, making the final decision.