Chelsea dealt curveball with Nagelsmann ‘in contact’ over separate job

Chelsea have been dealt a curveball in their search for Graham Potter’s replacement after Paris Saint-Germain reportedly made contact with target Julian Nagelsmann. The German is high in demand despite his ruthless Bayern Munich dismissal and it now appears the Blues have competition if they wish to secure the services of the 35-year-old tactician.

Nagelsmann is believed to favour waiting until the summer before he jumps into his next job but Chelsea are open to bringing him on board as they continue to hold discussions with various candidates.

However, French journalist Abdellah Boulma is now reporting that PSG have been in contact with Nagelsmann to discuss the possibility of handing him the job this summer.

That’s because PSG are said to be preparing to part company with Christophe Galtier following an underwhelming debut season at the Parc des Princes.

Having impressed at Nice after winning the Ligue 1 title with Lille, Galtier has failed to deliver the goods with PSG this season after an embarrassing early Champions League exit at the hands of Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich.

PSG were also dumped out of the Coupe de France in the  of 16 by Marseille and are now being pushed all the way by Lens and  in the Ligue 1 title race.

Nagelsmann is understood to be a popular pick amongst the Chelsea hierarchy having previously worked with the club’s sporting director Laurence Stewart and technical director Christopher Vivell at RB Leipzig.

Yet the Blues are also keen to conduct a thorough formal process before settling on their next manager.

Luis Enrique is now in London for talks with the Blues after stepping down as Spain boss at the end of the World Cup in Qatar.

Mauricio Pochettino is also another name of admiration and with Spurs yet to contact him over a return to north London, Chelsea seemingly have a free run at the Argentine.

Other targets include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Oliver Glasner and Ruben Amorim, who has already outlined his desire to remain with Sporting.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is also admired but he is not currently on Chelsea’s managerial shortlist having previously bought Graham Potter out of his Seagulls contract.

Chelsea are still optimistic that they will have their next manager in place for the Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid.

Potter’s former coach Bruno Saltor was the man at the helm on Tuesday as the Blues played out a 0-0 stalemate with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard is reluctant to continue leading the side due to his inexperience but until an appointment is made, he is the man for the job.

Chelsea have also not ruled out a sensational return for Frank Lampard, who could potentially join on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The Blues are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Wolves in the Premier League.