Chelsea are close to appointing Red Bull Salzburg's Christian Freund as their new sporting director.
Talks are ongoing and expected to reach a solution imminently after Chelsea approached the Austrian club over the weekend.
Freund is viewed as one of the best talent spotters in Europe having brought in a host of young players that have been sold for profit.
Chelsea had been impressed after holding talks about Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko and manager Graham Potter has given his blessing for the appointment.
Owner Todd Boehly has been performing the role on an interim basis but has been public in his recognition of the work done by Red Bull with Chelsea keen to follow the multi club model of ownership also.
Asked about Chelsea's interest last week, Austrian Freund, 45, said: 'I've had exchanges with Chelsea from time to time. We spoke a lot more a month or two ago because they were interested in signing [Benjamin] Sesko.
'The new owners are interested in how we do things with young players, how we integrate them into the first team. Chelsea is a huge club in transition. I can't say exactly what will happen in the next few weeks and months..'
Freund, 45, has earned a strong reputation within the game after signing the likes of Erland Haaland, Sadie Mane, Naby Keita and Dayot Upamecano.
