GRAHAM POTTER is in the running to replace Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager.
The Brighton boss is high up on the Blues' shortlist to fill the void left by Tuchel, who was axed on Wednesday morning.
The 47-year-old has been granted permission to speak to Chelsea and is on his way to hold talks with the club.
Brighton will likely demand a hefty fee from the Blues to part company with their manager – who has three years left on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
Chelsea are hoping to reach a swift agreement with Potter and have him take charge of the team ahead of Saturday's match with Fulham.
Should Chelsea secure the services of Potter, he could be tempted to bring some of his high-flying Brighton stars to Stamford Bridge.
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And he could even end up managing wantaway Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ecuador international Moises Caidcedo could be one of the players poached from Brighton in the January transfer window.
It comes as:
- Chelsea ask for permission to speak to Graham Potter over vacant manager role.
- Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino are among the favourites with bookies to replace Thomas Tuchel as John Terry priced at 33/1.
- The Blues' brutal statement announces German relieved of his duties just 100 days after Todd Boehly takes charge.
- Chelsea news LIVE: All the latest after Tuchel's axing.
- Tuchel informed of sacking in ruthless conference call, minutes after arriving at Blues' training ground.
The midfielder was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer and has impressed several clubs with his recent displays.
Centre-back Adam Webster could also follow Potter to West London as the Blues were said to be interested in signing him this summer.
But he's unlikely to break into the starting XI due to the recent signing of Kalidou Koulibaly.
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And if club co-owner Todd Boehly gets his way, Potter could very well be managing five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.
The American was eager to make the forward Chelsea's marquee summer signing.
But the recently-axed Tuchel vetoed the prospect of signing the 37-year-old.
Boehly is understood to still be keen on bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge, meaning Potter could soon manage the global superstar – provided he gets the job.
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Chelsea's first match of the post-Tuchel era takes place on Saturday and will see them travel to Craven Cottage to take on their West London neighbours Fulham.
Brighton, meanwhile, will face Bournemouth in a South Coast clash the same afternoon.
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