The British media reports that Chelsea is in talks to hire Enzo Maresca from Leicester as their new head coach.
The Italian, who served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at English champion Manchester City until last year, has guided the Foxes' instant return to the Premier League after their relegation a year ago.
Chelsea officials are also reportedly impressed by his style of play. On Monday, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea had requested permission from Leicester to speak with Maresca directly, adding that Maresca was the London club's top choice.
Chelsea is looking for a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino's departure.
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He was only in charge of one season at Stamford Bridge. Kieran McKenna, who guided Ipswich to second-place promotion in the Premier League behind Leicester, and Thomas Frank of Brentford were also mentioned as candidates for the position.
After Chelsea's late charge earned them a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and a spot in the Europa Conference League but denied them a trophy and Champions League qualification, Pochettino was fired.
Chelsea pushed Manchester City to the limit before losing to them by the same score in the FA Cup semi-finals. Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool in extra time.
However, during a run of five straight victories to close the season that guaranteed Chelsea's participation in European competition the following year, there had been indications that former Tottenham manager Pochettino's project was coming together.
