New Chelsea manager: Blues remove two names from shortlist but face losing third

Chelsea have narrowed down their shortlist to four names as they attempt to appoint a new manager - but could lose out on their preferred option.

The Blues have been scouring the market for the past couple of days since Mauricio Pochettino left by mutual agreement. Chelsea officials put together a comprehensive list of options.

They have now focused their search on just a clutch of names in the hope of appointing a new manager sooner rather than later. According to The Telegraph, Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Girona’s Michel have been eliminated from the running - both having previously been considered by the Blues.

That leaves just four names on the shortlist: Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, Thomas Frank of Brentford and a mystery name that has yet to be publicised. McKenna initially emerged as a favourite following his work at Portman Road.

However, both Brighton and Manchester United remain interested in him. McKenna recently spoke out and suggested that speculation over his job was natural.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "The club's got such a positive season and such a bright future ahead. We've achieved so much, it's been an incredible two years, and when you have those two years there's always speculation and things like that, there's been that every summer.

"But I know how much everyone's looking forward to the season, I know the club's in a fantastic path and everyone's just really looking forward to the season ahead. When you do well as a manager or as a player there's always going to be speculation, and I know what we've achieved isn't an ordinary thing, so of course there's going to be speculation then.”

Thomas Frank

Enzo Maresca

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It is suggested that all of the candidates have support behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and would be interested in taking over. Director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields worked with Leicester boss Maresca during their time at Manchester City.

However, a deal for the Championship title winner would be expensive. It is reported that he has a £8.5m release clause written into his contract at the King Power Stadium.

Elsewhere, Brentford boss Frank previously hinted that he would be open to a move should a club request his services. As quoted by Mail+, the Dane said: "If a big club one day comes to knock on my door, then I need to consider it but it's not something I'm hunting. I could stay in Brentford for… well, forever is probably a crazily long time but I could stay here for a further sustained period.

"One day maybe I need to try something else, I don't know. I'm more open. I'm happy here and sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for. Also, in football you can't plan. Keep your head down, work and see where it takes you."

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