“I’m still told” – Journalist drops big behind-scenes Chelsea update amid active talks

Chelsea are continuing talks with former Liverpool director Michael Edwards over a role at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues potentially willing to wait until next summer to complete the appointment, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly has rung the changes in west London over recent months but is eyeing another key appointment.

What is the latest on the director search?

In the summer, it was announced that Chelsea sporting director Marina Granovskaia would be leaving her role following the takeover of the club.

Boehly stepped into the position on a temporary basis after leading their successful takeover bid in the proceeding months.

The American oversaw a busy summer of business, as more than £250 million was spent on new recruits, but a new director remains a target.

However, the club were handed a blow in August when former Liverpool chief Edwards rejected the opportunity, according to The Athletic, as he eyed a break from the game.

But Chelsea have not given up and are understood to have approached the 43-year-old once again this week.

What has Phillips said on Edwards?

Phillips understands that interviews are ongoing with regards to the vacant role and says that Chelsea could be willing to wait for Edwards.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “They are still interviewing for a new sporting director. I’m still told that Chelsea could wait on Michael Edwards for that role in the summer and active talks are continuing with him. Todd Boehly is happy to continue in the role until then and is quite enjoying the challenge. But as I say, other candidates are also being spoken to that could start the role immediately, so this depends on the current Edwards talks.”

What other key appointments have been made?

The biggest change under Boehly so far has been in the dugout where Thomas Tuchel was sacked in favour of appointing Graham Potter.

It was reported by The Telegraph last week that Chelsea are looking to appoint former RB Leipzig figure Christopher Vivell as technical director at Stamford Bridge.

Elsewhere, the Blues have angered Premier League rivals Southampton after approaching their head of recruitment Joe Shields regarding a role in west London.