The former Tottenham boss was identified as a candidate by Blues chiefs following Graham Potter's exit last month, having previously held talks with him earlier in the season. And according to Sky Sports, a deal is now in place for him to take the reins from next season.

Pochettino has been out of work since leaving PSG last July. He'd been linked with the vacant Manchester United role which Erik ten Hag eventually filled.

And a return to his former club Spurs, who are also hunting for a new manager, had been mentioned. But their rivals at Stamford Bridge look to have secured his services.

Given Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has sacked both Thomas Tuchel and Potter in his first season at the helm, rival fans teased "Pochettino to be sacked by Christmas", "sacked within six months" and "odds on him to be sacked by Xmas?".

Having started his managerial career with La Liga side Espanyol, the former Argentina defender enjoyed a successful 18-month spell with Southampton in his first role in England.