Chelsea are in talks to appoint Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at English champion Manchester City until last year, has guided the Foxes’ instant return to the Premier League after their relegation a year ago.

Chelsea officials are reportedly intrigued by his style of play as well. On Monday, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea had requested permission from Leicester to talk with Maresca directly, adding that Maresca was the London club’s top pick.

Chelsea is looking for a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.

He was only in charge of one season at Stamford Bridge. Kieran McKenna, who guided Ipswich to second-place promotion in the Premier League behind Leicester, and Thomas Frank of Brentford were also mentioned as candidates for the position.

After Chelsea’s late charge earned them a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and a spot in the Europa Conference League, but denied them a trophy and Champions League participation, Pochettino was fired.

Chelsea pushed Manchester City to the limit before succumbing to them by the same score in the FA Cup semi-finals. Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool in extra time.

However, during a run of five straight victories to close the season that guaranteed Chelsea’s participation in European competition the following year, there had been indications that former Tottenham manager Pochettino’s strategy was coming together.

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