Chelsea are set to approach former Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards once again, according to reports in England.
The Blues are looking to hire a sporting director, with Todd Boehly currently operating in the role.
The Blues named their new-look structure off-the-pitch, with several departures as the Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium ring in the changes.
Marina Granovskaia has departed her role as director, with Chairman Bruce Buck also leaving his role at the end of the month.
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Granovskaia was previously in charge of transfers at Chelsea, with her departure opening a role for a new sporting director to join the Blues.
In a statement revealing Granovskaia’s departure Chelsea confirmed that they would look for a full-time replacement.
The statement read: “The announcement includes the departure of Marina Granovskaia, director of Chelsea FC. Boehly will operate as interim sporting director until the Club names a full-time replacement, continuing the Club’s work towards its targets during the current transfer window.
“Chelsea FC and Ms. Granovskaia have agreed that she will remain available to Boehly and the Club for the duration of the current transfer window, to the extent required to support the transition.”
Boehly has already settled into his interim position, sitting in on talks between Inter Milan and Romelu Lukaku’s lawyer as the Belgian is set for a move back to the San Siro.
The American co-owner of Chelsea has also handed power in the transfer market to head coach Thomas Tuchel, which could mean that the Blues delay the appointment of a sporting director until after this transfer window.
A name that has been identified is Edwards, formerly of Liverpool.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea will look to appoint a sporting director by the end of the year.
They are expected to go back in for Edwards, who was Liverpool’s transfer chief.
Chelsea have reportedly already approached the Englishman to discuss a role under the new ownership.
Manchester United also hold interest in Edwards, also approaching him to work under Erik Ten Hag.
The report continues to state that Boehly is an advocate of data-led recruitment, with Liverpool employing the same model during Edwards’ tenure at the club.
Other names such as AS Monaco’s Paul Mitchell have been mentioned as Boehly looks to establish his staff at Stamford Bridge.
Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has also been a name circulating the press but it remains to be seen as to who Boehly will look at to take over from Granovskaia.
It remains to be seen as to who Boehly will look at, with Edwards appearing to be the frontrunner.
The Blues will be hoping to build towards a future just as successful as the last era under Roman Abramovich on the pitch.
Topics: Chelsea, Todd Boehly, Michael Edwards, Liverpool, Football, Premier League, Marina Granovskaia
Nick Emms