By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

27th Feb, 2023 | 6:41pm

Sources: Chelsea eye Thomas Frank swoop after Graham Potter sack update

Chelsea are admirers of Brentford manager Thomas Frank amid growing concerns behind the scenes about their trajectory under Graham Potter, sources have told Football Insider.

The 49-year-old Bees boss’s playing style, relationship with the media, and track record of developing young players into Premier League stars have been identified as strengths by the board at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea grandees, including new owner Todd Boehly, still want Potter to oversee a long-term project in West London, but Frank is seen as a desirable contingency option and is now a top contender to be the next manager.

While the official line is that Potter’s job is safe, talks regarding his future at the club are ongoing, with the next two games set to be crucial in deciding his fate.

Frank‘s Brentford side meanwhile are currently 9th in the Premier League, four points ahead of Chelsea who have won just two of their last 15 Premier League games.

Last season was the Bees’ first in the Premier League and they are punching well above their weight with one of the division’s smallest budgets again this term.

Frank signed a contract extension in December last year, committing him to the club until 2027.

Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel in the Chelsea dugout last September, is also under contract until 2027.

Boehly and his Clearlake Capital co-investors have spent over £600million on new recruits since they bought the club before the beginning of 2022-23.

Over half of that total figure was forked out under Potter’s watch in January, obliterating previous Premier League spending records.

In other news, decision made over Christian Pulisic future at Chelsea.