Chelsea could appoint Premier League winner to replace Mauricio Pochettino with potential 'agreement' close

A former Premier League winner has been linked with the Chelsea job as Mauricio Pochettino's future at Stamford Bridge continues to be a constant talking point in the media.

Last week, Pochettino claimed he was given a vote of confidence by owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali after their 4-2 home defeat to Wolves in the league.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, he said: "I received a very good text after the game against Wolves from the owners. We’re all together in this."

Pochettino added: "Of course, it’s always a tough job. But at the same time it is an exciting project and a project that we know is difficult."

A day later, Chelsea recorded a convincing 3-1 win against Unai Emery's side – a result that certainly eased the pressure, but rumours around his future are still prevalent.

Jose Mourinho, Hansi Flick, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto De Zerbi are some of the bookies favourites to take the Chelsea job if Pochettino is relived of his duties.

But one of the more surprising names to emerge in recent hours is former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

Mancini has been added to their list of managerial candidates, according to DAZN via Calcio Napoli 24.

The 59-year-old, who is currently the head coach of Saudi Arabia's national team, is 'liked a lot' by decision makers at Chelsea.

In fact, they have reportedly not ruled out reaching an agreement with the Italian manager 'for the league finale', suggesting that he could take over before the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Image credit: Getty

Mancini memorably led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012 before being sacked by the Citizens a year later. Since then, he has guided Italy's national team to a famous win at Euro 2020.