Chelsea reportedly expect to have finalised a deal for a new head coach before the end of this week.
Since sacking Graham Potter at the beginning of April, the Blues have conducted a thorough search ahead of appointing his long-term replacement.
While Frank Lampard is currently in caretaker charge, a run of one win and six defeats from seven matches means that his temporary stint will definitely end at the end of the season.
For a number of weeks, Mauricio Pochettino has been suggested as the clear frontrunner to become the next incumbent of the lead position in the Chelsea dugout.
A number of meetings are said to have taken place between the relevant parties, it once being claimed that a deal could be announced at some point last week.
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Such a development did not materialise, leading to concerns among the Chelsea fanbase that the process would take longer than currently envisaged.
Nevertheless, according to The Athletic, Chelsea are confident that they will be able to finalise a deal for their chosen candidate over the coming days.
Although it is not specifically stated that Pochettino will be the next head coach, Chelsea' managerial search will only realistically conclude within days if the Argentine was on the brink of formally accepting the job.
The report reiterates that Lampard will remain in his caretaker post for the remaining four Premier League fixtures of the 2022-23 campaign.
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Lampard will allegedly hold talks with his replacement and sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley to assist with the transitional period.
Pochettino, or whoever arrives at the West Londoners, will be tasked with guiding Chelsea back into the top seven of the Premier League table next season, that aim a bare minimum in order to secure European qualification.
Chelsea will also be required to drastically reduce their playing numbers in order to boost their financial position and take into account a lighter schedule.
As it stands, Chelsea occupy 11th position in the top-flight standings with fixtures with Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United still to come.
Darren Plant
