Pochettino ‘singles out’ several Chelsea stars in private Boehly talks

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly singled out several Chelsea players in negotiations with the Blues’ hierarchy ahead of possibly taking over at Stamford Bridge. Co-owner Todd Boehly has been involved in what has been said to be an exhaustive search for the next Chelsea head coach, having sacked both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this season and placed Frank Lampard in temporary care of the team.

As Julian Nagelsmann looks unlikely to be the man chosen to succeed Potter, Pochettino appears to be edging closer to a return to London with Chelsea. He has emerged as the favourite following positive talks with Boehly and fellow co-owner Behdad Eghbali and looks to have set plans in place for next season already.

The Athletic have claimed that despite opting for Potter in September having spoken with the Argentine, Chelsea have been impressed with Pochettino during initial talks. The former Tottenham boss has also already mentioned several of the players in the current squad he would like to be part of his plans next season if he is given the chance to take over.

While it is not just the higher-ups that are excited about the prospect of Pochettino returning to the Premier League with Chelsea, The Telegraph have claimed that many of the current crop of players are also very welcoming of the idea of him taking the job. The Blues’ England internationals especially have spoken to their Spurs counterparts, as Pochettino’s tactical nous and man-management skills are well regarded in the camp.

Chelsea reportedly admire the work that Pochettino did at Spurs, nurturing several prospects into elite Premier League talents such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

Having turned Spurs into one of the league’s powerhouses following his move from Southampton in 2014, he reached the Champions League final and was pipped to a league title by Leicester during his successful time in north London.