Luis Enrique 'emerging as frontrunner for Chelsea job'

Luis Enrique is reportedly regarded as the leading candidate to become the next head coach of Chelsea.

Ever since Graham Potter was sacked as Blues boss at the start of the month, there has been intense speculation regarding his replacement.

Frank Lampard has been appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the season, but three successive defeats has effectively ended any hope of the club legend remaining in the Stamford Bridge dugout on a permanent basis.

Lampard returned to the West Londoners to allow the club's hierarchy to go through a thorough process in order to identify the ideal alternative to Potter in the long term.

Reports indicated in the days after Potter's exit that Luis Enrique was the first to hold formal talks with the Chelsea board, the Spaniard travelling to London to conduct those discussions.

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In the 12 days that have followed, it appears that there has been little further contact with the parties, Chelsea also wanting to interview other potential candidates.

Former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo is said to feature on the shortlist, while ex-Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann is also known to be on Chelsea's radar.

However, according to AS, Luis Enrique is currently viewed to be the leading contender to eventually arrive at the Premier League outfit.

While the report states that Nagelsmann remains in the race to succeed Potter, the outlet claims that Luis Enrique has the advantage.

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Chelsea allegedly feel that the former Barcelona boss can use his association with the Catalan giants and familiarity with Gavi to tempt the midfielder to England.

Barcelona are yet to finalise a professional contract with the academy graduate due to their ongoing financial issues, something which has created a scenario where the 18-year-old could theoretically leave Camp Nou on a free transfer.

Over the weekend, Barcelona officials insisted that would not be the case, but the La Liga leaders face having to make £177m in sales and cutbacks before being able to register new players.

Last week, it was suggested that Chelsea are willing to hand Gavi one of the most lucrative contracts in the Premier League to tempt him into departing his boyhood club.