Chelsea are considering three names to take over as sporting director under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership, according to reports.
Boehly is the current interim sporting director following Marina Granovskaia’s departure from Stamford Bridge.
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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Chelsea confirmed that they will be looking to replace Granovskaia in the long-term, with an appointment expected by the end of the year.
The statement on the club website wrote: “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.”
With Boehly acting as the interim director, he handed power in the transfer market to head coach Thomas Tuchel as they looked to conclude deals, both outgoing and incoming.
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It has now been revealed that the Blues are targeting three names to replace Granovskaia by the end of the year.
The Guardian reports that Chelsea would like to convince former Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards to take the role.
He was previously linked, believed to be Boehly’s preferred choice due to his preference for a data-led approach.
However, the Guardian continues to reveal two other names in the running.
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Paul Mitchell of AS Monaco is also being considered after impressing during his time in the Premier League with Southampton and Tottenham.
It was believed that several of Chelsea’s bidders during the sale process had targeted the Englishman, with it unclear as to whether Boehly and Clearlake Capital were one of these.
Furthermore, a new name has been listed as former Paris Saint-Germain defender Maxwell could be handed the role.
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The Brazilian shares a strong relationship with Tuchel after their time together in France.
It is unclear as to where he stands on the list, acting as PSG’s assistant transfer director but never holding the main role himself.
It is extremely unlikely that a transfer director would be appointed before the end of the current transfer window, with Granovskaia making herself available to help the club until the end of the summer.
However, Boehly will look to appoint a new director by the end of the year as Edwards appears to be the main name in contention.
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The Blues are looking to make their first signing of the Boehly-Clearlake era at Stamford Bridge.
Raheem Sterling looks the most likely early arrival as the consortium search for a marquee signing this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Todd Boehly, Michael Edwards, Football, Premier League