>
Graham Potter VERBALLY AGREES terms on a contract to become the next Chelsea manager, with paperwork being finalised ahead of Blues move… as he pulls into Brighton training to say goodbye
- Brighton’s Graham Potter has agreed terms to become Chelsea’s new manager
- He is set to be in the dugout for Chelsea’s game against Fulham on Saturday
- The talented Seagulls boss was scheduled to speak to the media on Thursday
- The south coast club confirmed Potter’s press conference has been cancelled
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Graham Potter has verbally agreed terms on a contract to become Chelsea’s new manager and he is expected to take position in the dugout for Saturday’s game against Fulham.
Controlling owner Todd Boehly wasted no time in dispensing Thomas Tuchel after the disastrous Champions League loss away to Dinamo Zagreb and he has moved quickly to get Potter.
The Seagulls boss was due to speak to the media on Thursday ahead of his current side’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, and he was seen pulling into their training base for the last time early on Thursday morning.
Potter, who is going over a few final details of the contract this morning, is expected to be in the Chelsea dugout, along with his Brighton staff, for the Blues’ match against Fulham on Saturday.
The Seagulls boss was due to speak to the media on Thursday ahead of Brighton’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth – but that has now been cancelled, given the circumstances
Potter quickly emerged as Chelsea’s No 1 target and he was locked in advanced talks with the Blues on Wednesday night, thrashing out an agreement.
Having made a formal approach to Brighton, Chelsea were granted permission to speak to Potter soon after news broke about Tuchel’s departure.
Those talks are understood to have been led by co-owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in London on Wednesday afternoon and continued into the evening. Sources said the only way Chelsea would not appoint him is if he turned down the role – which has not proven to be a stumbling block with Potter keen to head for west London.
The identification of Potter as Chelsea’s preferred option to replace Tuchel – who Sportsmail revealed will receive as much as £13million in compensation after his shock dismissal – has come during a period in which the club are without a sporting director.
He is set to be in the Chelsea dugout with his staff for the Blues’ match v Fulham on Saturday
Potter’s Brighton assistant manager Billy Reid (left) could be among three staff members that the current Seagulls boss brings to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly (right) sensationally sacked Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday
Boehly has taken interim charge, but it is understood the club are close to appointing someone in that role.
Sources have even said the new man has had some influence on the move for Potter.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards and ex-Tottenham and Southampton recruitment guru Paul Mitchell are among those being considered by Chelsea.
Potter, 47, is understood to have a release clause of at least £12m in his contract, meaning Brighton are powerless to stop their manager leaving.
Recruitment analyst Kyle Macaulay and first-team coach Billy Reid are among the Brighton staff set to follow Potter to south west London.
Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday hours after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb, Chelsea’s third loss in seven games.
It is believed the decision was made before the chastening result in Croatia.
More to follow.