Chelsea endured a turbulent spell during the summer window that saw Antonio Conte relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge but he was not the only senior departure from the club last season.
The Blues lost technical director Michael Emenalo to Monaco in November and are now stepping up their search of a replacement, according to The Telegraph, and have already identified a number of potential candidates.
After months of consideration, the Blues have shortlisted Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth, former players Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack as well as Roma’s highly-regarded sporting director Monchi.
Chelsea have also been approached by a number of people who are interested in the position and have held informal talks with those interested, with a fight alongside Manchester United potentially set to emerge in the coming weeks.
The Red Devils are also looking to appoint a director of football and are likely to consider similar candidates to the Blues.
