Chelsea will appoint Christoph Freund of Red Bull Salzburg as their new sporting director.
Talks are underway and are expected to find a solution shortly after Chelsea approached the Austrian club over the weekend.
Freund is considered one of the best talent scouts in Europe, having involved a myriad of young players who have been sold for profit.
Chelsea were impressed after talks about Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko and manager Graham Potter gave his blessing on the appointment.
Owner Todd Boehly has taken on the interim role, but has made public his acknowledgment of Red Bull’s work with Chelsea keen to follow the multi-club ownership model as well.
Asked about Chelsea’s interest last week, Austrian 45-year-old Freund said: “I’ve had talks with Chelsea from time to time.”
“We talked a lot more a month or two ago because they were interested in signing [Benjamin] Sesco.
“The new owners are interested in how we do things with young people, how we integrate them into the first team. Chelsea are a great club in transition. I can’t say exactly what will happen in the coming weeks and months.
Friend, 45, has established a solid reputation in the game after signing Erland Haaland, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Dayot Upamecano.
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