Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement over the length of a contract with Leicester City head coach Enzo Maresca.
Since parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino a week ago, the Blues hierarchy have been proactive in their efforts to appoint a successor.
As recently as 48 hours ago, there appeared to be four names on their shortlist, with Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, Brentford's Thomas Frank and former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi all in contention.
However, it has become apparent that Maresca is now the preference of co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as well as co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Reports have indicated that Winstanley and Stewart have travelled to Marbella - where Maresca is on holiday - to hold formal discussions with the 44-year-old.
This was after Leicester gave permission for Chelsea to advance with their negotiations, presumably having shown a willingness to pay a release clause in excess of £8m.
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Chelsea, Maresca in agreement over contract
According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, talks have progressed to such an extent that Chelsea and Maresca have agreed his contract length.
At one point, it was suggested that a two-year deal with the option of a third - like was the case with Pochettino - would be presented to Maresca.
Instead, Romano says that Chelsea officials are prepared to hand the former Manchester City coach terms which will run until 2029, also possessing the option of a 12-month extension.
In theory, that development should result in an official announcement sooner rather than later, with it having previously been claimed that Chelsea want a resolution by the end of the week.
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Quick deal benefits all parties
Such is Chelsea's business model that incomings and outcomings can take place without Maresca, yet there is an obvious benefit with a deal being in place to provide some stability.
Chelsea are reportedly in the process of trying to make the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, while an array of players may be sold if a suitable offer arrives.
From Leicester City's perspective, they have allegedly already identified a potential replacement for Maresca as they bid to build a squad capable of remaining in the Premier League with a points deduction for breaching financial rules potentially hindering their efforts.
However, receiving compensation for parting ways with Maresca can help with ensuring that they do not commit another breach in the future.
