Chelsea are widely expected to be in the hunt for a new manager despite Antonio Conte leading the Blues to FA Cup glory against Manchester United on Saturday but the hunt for a successor is not as easy as the club would have liked.
A prime target for Roman Abramovich is reportedly Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino but it was always unlikely that the west London side would be able to prize the Argentine manager off their London rivals – and their chances have taken a further hit.
The Telegraph states Pochettino has held positivity talks with the Lilywhites hierarchy and this has led Chelsea to accept defeat in their quest to lure the highly-rated boss to Stamford Bridge.
Initial talks between Pochettino and Spurs chief Daniel Levy are said to have gone well, leading to optimism that the boss could sign a new contract – although he’s made it clear he wants significant backing in the transfer market.
Pochettino wants around £150m to rebuild his squad this summer, which may be difficult due to Spurs’ move to the refurbished White Hart Lane, but it remains unlikely he’ll move to a Premier League rival.
