Chelsea are set to accelerate their search for a sporting director, with interviews scheduled for next week. Todd Boehly, the club's co-owner, has been acting in the role on an interim basis since Petr Cech's departure in June.
The club initially approached Michael Edwards, but he is on a sabbatical, and Christoph Freund turned down the move to remain at RB Salzburg. Now, Boehly and fellow owner Behdad Eghbali are considering four candidates.
The shortlist includes Leeds United's Victor Orta, former Leicester and Celtic scout Lee Congerton (now at Atalanta), Sevilla's Monchi, and Benfica's Rui Pedro Braz. Luis Campos was also of interest but is staying at PSG.
Boehly wants the new sporting director to work closely with head coach Graham Potter. The American owners have already made significant changes, including the departures of long-serving staff like Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia, and head physio Thierry Laurent.
The owners had hoped to fill the vacancy before the World Cup in Qatar, but after Freund's rejection, they are prepared to take their time. Bayer Leverkusen's Tim Steidten has also been linked.
This search is part of a broader 100-day review of the club, which also led to the sacking of Thomas Tuchel and the appointment of Graham Potter. The owners aim to foster a collaborative culture across the club.
