Odds slashed on shock name replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea as new favourite emerges

Odds have been slashed on a surprise name replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.

On Tuesday night it emerged that the Argentine had left Chelsea via mutual consent after just one season at the helm.

He led Chelsea to a sixth-placed finish which secured Europa League football, but despite a strong end to the campaign, an end of season meeting with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali resulted in Chelsea and Pochettino parting company.

Chelsea are now on the hunt for yet another manager under Todd Boehly's regime, with a whole host of young coaches being linked.

Candidates include the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim, Michel, Sebastian Hoeness and Kieran McKenna.

But a surprise contender appears to be well in the mix to take the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.

Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has "emerged as a top candidate".

Image: Getty

In just his second managerial job, Maresca guided Leicester City to the Championship title with a stunning 97 points season.

Maresca, who worked with both Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his stint in charge of City's development squad, is said to have the admiration of Chelsea for his tactical approach.

And he is quickly developing as one of the favourites with the bookies. The Italian's odds have been shortened to 4/1 with Sky Bet, who have him just below McKenna and on par with Amorim.

He is third in the running, with De Zerbi leading the way after leaving Brighton.

Leicester are well aware of interest in Maresca, who is believed to have a £10 million release clause in his contract.

Current odds for next Chelsea manager via Sky Bet

Roberto De Zerbi - 7/4

Kieran McKenna- 7/2

Enzo Maresca - 4/1

Ruben Amorim - 4/1

Thomas Frank - 6/1

Thomas Tuchel - 16/1

Cesc Fabregas - 18/1

Sebastian Hoeness - 18/1

Jose Mourinho - 20/1