Liam Rosenior has emerged as a surprise candidate to become the next Chelsea manager, with the Strasbourg boss flying to London for talks on Monday. The 41-year-old is expected to meet with Chelsea officials, with a deal to replace Enzo Maresca likely to be agreed.
Rosenior quickly became the frontrunner following Maresca's acrimonious departure from Stamford Bridge. The main complication has been that BlueCo, the investment vehicle owning both Chelsea and Strasbourg, needed to balance the interests of both clubs. BlueCo leaders delayed meeting Rosenior until after Strasbourg's Ligue 1 match against Nice on Saturday.
Rosenior travelled from France on Sunday, accompanied by Strasbourg president Marc Keller and sporting director David Weir. Chelsea's board and sporting directors are understood to be strong admirers of the former Hull City manager. It remains uncertain whether he will be in charge for Wednesday's Premier League trip to Fulham; interim coach Calum McFarlane oversaw Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Rosenior was on a shortlist that included Porto's Francesco Farioli and Flamengo's Filipe Luís, who previously played for Chelsea. BlueCo are now focused on finding a quality replacement for Rosenior at Strasbourg, with Filipe Coelho and Jean-Marc Kuentz expected to take interim charge. Former Wolves manager Gary O'Neil is a contender for the permanent role, while Minnesota United's Eric Ramsay has also been monitored.
