Chelsea have reportedly already drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace the axed Graham Potter. The Blues had apparently been considering who could replace Potter before they sacked their head coach on Sunday evening. 

Potter was sacked after a dismal run of form that was culminated by Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa. Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi - incidentally Potter's replacement at Brighton in September - have been linked while the 47-year-old has struggled at Stamford Bridge. 

Both are supposedly on a three-man shortlist drawn up by the club's hierarchy recently. Julian Nagelsmann - who was sacked by Bayern Munich a fortnight ago - has reportedly been considered more recently. 

Chelsea will battle with London rivals Tottenham for all three coaches. Spurs sacked Antonio Conte last week and are yet to appoint the Italian's replacement. 

According to the Independent, Chelsea had recently drawn up their three-man shortlist 'in case the worst happened'. They have now pulled the knife on Potter despite co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali offering strong public support as recently as late February. 

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