CHELSEA have invited Julian Nagelsmann for face-to-face talks as they ramp up their search for a new manager.
Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique lead the way as frontrunners to take over following Graham Potter’s sacking at the start of April.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has returned to the club for his second managerial stint, this time in a caretaker role.
It has allowed Blues bosses to take their time in appointing a new manager, with the process underway.
According to BILD, Nagelsmann has received an invite to introduce himself personally to the Chelsea board and present his ideas.
The German was sacked by Bayern Munich in March – despite winning the league last season – and later replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
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Former Spain and Barcelona coach Enrique is believed to have already been interviewed by Chelsea, leaving a good impression.
And a deal in principle to take charge was rumoured to be in the works, although it looks as though Nagelsmann will also hold talks.
The Chelsea board already have a relationship with his agent, as he also represents Timo Werner, who was sold back to RB Leipzig last summer.
Sporting director Laurence Stewart and technical director Christopher Vivell also worked with Nagelsmann at Leipzig.
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Nagelsmann made his name by getting Leipzig into the Champions League and by 2021 he was hired by Bayern.
But off-field issues are understood to have been his downfall in Munich, with ex-Chelsea manager Tuchel replacing him.
Enrique had two spells with Barca, winning LaLiga twice and the Champions League in 2015.
He managed Spain but after they were dumped out of last year’s winter World Cup in the last 16 stage, he left his international post.
Both Enrique and Nagelsmann are out of work, as is former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
