Chelsea are eyeing Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca for head coaching role: Report

Chelsea are in talks to make Leicester’s Enzo Maresca their new head coach, according to British media reports.

The Italian, who until last year was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at English champions Manchester City, has overseen an immediate return to the Premier League for the Foxes following their relegation 12 months ago.

His style of football is also said to have impressed Chelsea chiefs, with Sky Sports reporting on Monday that the Blues have asked Leicester for permission to speak directly to Maresca, who they added is the London club’s preferred choice.

Chelsea are looking for a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino.

He spent just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge, alongside Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich to promotion to the top flight behind Leicester, also linked with the vacancy.

Pochettino left after a late surge saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League – qualification for the Europa Conference League – but miss out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.

Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same scoreline.

But there were signs of former Tottenham boss Pochettino’s side rallying on a five-game winning streak to end the campaign that ensured Chelsea will be involved in European competition next season.