Chelsea have formally registered their interest in appointing Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe as their new head coach, following the departure of Enzo Maresca.
Eddie Howe emerges as top Chelsea target after Maresca exit
The club dismissed Maresca on New Year’s Day after a brief and contentious 18-month tenure marked by internal disagreements.
According to The Sunday Express, Chelsea officials have already initiated contact regarding the 48-year-old Howe.
Discussions have taken place with the manager’s representatives, signaling serious intent from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, who reportedly hold Howe in high regard.
The proposal includes a significant increase in salary should he choose to leave St. James’ Park for West London.
Howe has built considerable credit at Newcastle since taking charge over four years ago.
He famously ended the club’s long trophy drought by securing the Carabao Cup last season and guided them to a Champions League qualification.
His current contract with Newcastle still has more than three years remaining, which would necessitate a substantial compensation agreement.
While Howe emerges as a primary target, the current favorite for the position remains Liam Rosenior.
The head coach of sister club Strasbourg, also owned by the BlueCo group, is widely expected to make the move.
When questioned about the links after a match on Saturday, Rosenior admitted uncertainty about his future but affirmed his commitment to his present role.
Chelsea’s swift action highlights their urgency to install a permanent successor.
The move for Howe represents an ambitious play to recruit a proven Premier League manager, setting the stage for a potential tug-of-war between the two clubs.
