Chelsea are said to be showing an interest in hiring Sevilla’s Monchi as their search for a sporting director continues, according to reports.
Since the arrival of their new ownership, the Blues have been keen to bring in a sporting director.
However, despite their efforts, they have so far been unable to do so and will continue their search for the right appointment.
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Chelsea had approached former Liverpool man Michael Edwards over the role, but he rejected a move as he looks to take a break from football.
In recent weeks, it looked as though the Blues were close to sealing Christoph Freund from FC Salzburg as the two parties were in advanced talks.
However, he will remain at the Austrian side, and it has also been reported that Chelsea’s appointment of a sporting director is not imminent.
There is high interest in the job and other candidates are being spoken to, with co-owner Todd Boehly taking up the role on an interim basis since his arrival.
As they work towards an appointment, one of Chelsea’s targets for the job has now been revealed.
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According to 90min, the west London side are interested in Sevilla sporting director Monchi, with Boehly said to be a 'huge fan'.
He was first appointed for the role in 2000, before asking to leave the club in 2016.
The following year he would move to Roma in the Serie A, but would return to Sevilla just two years later.
He is considered to be one of the best in the business, and the 54-year-old former goalkeeper has even had past talks with Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
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Despite the Blues having an interest in the Spaniard, it is not known if he would be willing to leave Sevilla again.
AS Monaco’s Paul Mitchell is thought to be another target who has been spoken to by Chelsea about the job, with Tim Steidten of Bayer Leverkusen and Victor Orta of Leeds United also being of interest.
Even though they were the highest spenders in the Premier League during the summer, Chelsea could be busy yet again in the January transfer window.
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They are said to be eyeing a move for AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer, who would arrive as another option for the midfield.
Graham Potter’s side could soon be able to see what he is like in action at Stamford Bridge as the two teams face each other in the Champions League group stage.
Chelsea are currently bottom of Group E and are set to play Milan in their next two matches in the competition, with the Italians sitting top.
The Blues have won just three games so far this season, all of which have come in the Premier League.
Robert Calcutt