Chelsea have reportedly added Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi to a list of potential replacements for Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine was appointed Chelsea boss last summer, penning an initial two-year deal with an option to extend by a further year.
Despite only being in his first season with the West London club, Pochettino is already facing an uncertain future following a tumultuous campaign.
Chelsea have fared reasonably well in the cup competitions, reaching the final of the EFL Cup and the semi-final of the FA Cup.
However, they have struggled to find consistency in the Premier League, having won 13, drawn eight and lost 11 of their 32 games.
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Chelsea add De Zerbi to managerial shortlist
As a result of their mixed form, the Blues are sitting in ninth place with three points separating them from sixth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game more.
Although they could still secure European football, the Chelsea board are reportedly yet to make a final decision over Pochettino's future.
With Chelsea keeping their options open, The Times are reporting that De Zerbi is among the contenders to replace Pochettino if the Blues decide to change their manager at the end of the season.
De Zerbi has developed an impressive reputation since taking over the reins at the Amex Stadium in September 2022.
The 44-year-old led the Seagulls to the FA Cup semi-finals and a sixth-placed finish, securing European football for the first time in Brighton's history.
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Chelsea identify alternative candidates
Despite experiencing a tougher 2023-24 campaign, De Zerbi is still highly regarded and was one of the names mentioned to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
However, with the Reds set to appoint Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, Chelsea may fancy their chances of prising De Zerbi away from the South-coast club should they decide to pursue his appointment.
In addition to the Italian coach, the Chelsea hierarchy are also believed to be considering Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim and former Germany manager Hansi Flick.
Amorim has also been linked with the manager's position at both Liverpool and West Ham United, but it now seems unlikely that he will join either of those two clubs.
Flick struggled in his time as Germany boss, but he enjoyed success with Bayern Munich, winning seven major trophies, including the 2019-20 Champions League.
