Chelsea 'make official approach for preferred managerial target'

Chelsea have reportedly made an official approach to the team of their preferred candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino.

Last Tuesday, the Blues revealed that a mutual decision had been taken for the Argentine to depart his role of head coach.

Since then, a number of names have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital attempt to find the ideal candidate to fit into their club structure.

A report has indicated that Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been ruled out of contention, the list seemingly having been whittled down to three names.

However, on Monday lunchtime, it was alleged that Chelsea are pressing ahead with a move for a head coach that has emerged as their first-choice option.

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Chelsea make approach for Maresca

According to a report in The Telegraph, Chelsea made an official approach to Leicester City on Monday in an attempt to secure the services of Enzo Maresca.

The West Londoners are said to have requested official permission to hold negotiations with the Foxes boss as soon as possible.

Should Chelsea wish to push through with a deal, Leicester will demand that a £10m release clause that is present in Maresca's contract be paid in full.

As per the report, it is suggested that a move to Stamford Bridge for Maresca is now increasingly likely to materialise, with the likes of Brentford's Thomas Frank and former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi seemingly missing out.

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What would Maresca offer to Chelsea?

Boehly and co are allegedly attracted by the possession-based football Maresca has introduced during his time at the King Power Stadium.

During a campaign in which Leicester won the Championship title, they had over 62% of possession and made over 28,000 passes in their 46 fixtures.

Furthermore, the 44-year-old has spent time on the coaching staff of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, much like Mikel Arteta who has since gone on to transform Arsenal despite his previous lack of managerial experience.

Maresca is no stranger to Stamford Bridge having taking his Leicester side to the capital for an FA Cup quarter-final in March, the East Midlands outfit having been level at 2-2 before a sending off contributed to a 4-2 defeat.

With Maresca seemingly in favour of making the switch from newly-promoted Leicester to Chelsea, an appointment could be in place in a matter of days.