Chelsea close to appointing sporting director and Graham Potter appointment involvement revealed

Chelsea are set to appoint sporting director who was was thought to be involved in the decision to appoint Graham Potter as Thomas Tuchel's replacement as head coach.

The German was dismissed after Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, but it was not this game that was the reason he was sacked.

In a statement released on the club website, they wrote: "Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel.

"Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.

"As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition."

Brighton boss Potter is the man identified by the ownership to lead Chelsea in the future as they look for long-term stability under the 47-year-old.

He arrived at Cobham on Thursday afternoon as he prepares to be named as Chelsea head coach.

It has been revealed that the Blues will pay a whopping £21 million in compensation for the head coach and his backroom staff, with three members expected to join from Brighton.

While it was initially believed that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had identified the Englishman as the ideal successor to Tuchel. it has now been reported that an incoming sporting director held a key role to bringing Potter in.

As reported by The Daily Mail, despite Chelsea being without a sporting director, the next man in the role may have had a part to play in the latest employment.

Sources believe that the new man has had some influence in the move for Potter to replace Tuchel.

Former Liverpool sporting director Micheal Edwards has been heavily linked with the role, while Paul Mitchell of AS Monaco is also being considered.

It is believed that the Blues are close to appointing someone to fill that role and he will work with Potter ahead of the January transfer window.

Recruitment expert Kyle Macaulay will almost certainly follow Potter to Chelsea.

The pair were pictured together arriving at Cobham ahead of the deal being completed.

It remains to be seen as to who will join the club as a sporting director and aid in recruitment.

One thing is for sure, the club are hoping to build a successful long-term future with Potter and his staff.