Chelsea 'could confirm Mauricio Pochettino appointment in the next week'

The Blues have already had four managers this season, with Thomas Tuchel replaced by Graham Potter at the start of September, but the Englishman was sacked following a record of just 12 wins from 31 matches.

Following Potter's departure, Bruno Saltor was appointed interim head coach, with his spell in charge lasting for four days, before Frank Lampard's return was confirmed towards the start of this month.

Ex-Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann was initially thought to be the favourite to become Chelsea's next permanent boss, while Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has also been linked with the role.

However, the speculation surrounding Pochettino has gathered pace over the last few days, with a deal to bring the Argentine to Stamford Bridge now said to be on the verge of being announced.

According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea could confirm his arrival within the next week, with the club's recruitment, squad size and the Argentine's backroom staff already being discussed.

The report claims that negotiations have been 'positive', with the 51-year-old set to begin his work as head coach once the 2022-23 campaign has ended.

Lampard is widely expected to lead the team for the remainder of the campaign despite the team's recent struggles, which have seen their already-slim chances of claiming a top-four finish evaporate.

The Blues have lost five of their last seven matches in all competitions, including their last four, which has also seen them eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Chelsea have only won twice in the Premier League since the middle of January, meanwhile, with the disappointing form leaving them down in 11th spot in the table, 20 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand on the London club.

Pochettino has been linked with a number of positions over the last few months, including a return to Tottenham Hotspur, and a move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.

However, the head coach, who has been without a job since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last year, is now set to take charge of his third Premier League club.

Pochettino previously managed Tottenham between May 2014 and November 2019, leading the club to the final of the Champions League in 2018-19, while the South American was also in charge of Southampton between January 2013 and May 2014.