22 May 2024 , 08:44
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Super-agent Jorge Mendes has put Porto boss Sergio Conceicao's name forward as a potential replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday evening that they were parting company with the Argentine after agreeing the mutual termination of Pochettino's contract, which still had one year left to run plus a 12-month extension option.
While the Blues already have a clear idea of where they may turn next - focusing on the appointment of a young head coach, willing to work within a structure - there are still several other outside contenders for the job.
And Mendes, who has formed a close relationship with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly since holding talks over a shock deal for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer of 2022, is now floating Conceicao's services towards Chelsea via the American billionaire.
The 49-year-old has been with Porto since 2017, winning 10 trophies throughout his highly-respected reign at the Estadio do Dragao, and recently signed a new contract until the summer of 2028.
However, as the agreement was reached under former Porto president Pinto da Costa, it can be revoked and crucially, he would be able to leave the Portuguese giants at zero cost.
Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has since replaced Da Costa following Porto's recent presidential election and while he has already given public backing to Conceicao, the pair are yet to hold formal talks over the latter's future and they are not expected to take place until after Sunday's Taca de Portugal final against Sporting.
Conceicao has emerged as a strong contender for the AC Milan job in recent weeks while Marseille have also sounded out his availability. It's understood Mendes' advances are not reactionary and there has long been a feeling that Pochettino could leave the Blues at the end of the season, despite a drastic upturn in form and respectable finish to the campaign.
Chelsea sources are yet to acknowledge whether Conceicao is a genuine candidate for the vacancy with Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna and Leicester's Enzo Maresca among the names of firm interest to sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, respectively.
Jorge Mendes has floated Sergio Conceicao towards Chelsea via Todd Boehly (Getty Images) While their expertise, research and insight are fundamental to the process, the final call on Pochettino's successor will be made by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali, Boehly and Jose E Feliciano.
It's understood Chelsea are likely to swerve a 'fiery' appointment as the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have strong views where the dynamics of working within their structure are concerned. They also intend to maintain a high level of control over transfer activity.
Conceicao is a fierce competitor with an edge. Back in March, he filed a legal complaint against a Spanish mayor after he was accused of allegedly hitting a referee at the end of an under-9s match involving his son. He was also at the centre of a touchline storm with Thomas Tuchel after the Chelsea and Porto benches came to blows after a Champions League quarterfinal in 2021.
Brentford's Thomas Frank is another name of admiration while despite previously being considered for the job last summer, Chelsea are not currently expected to hold talks with Burnley boss Vincent Kompany at this moment in time.