Liverpool hand Chelsea Roberto De Zerbi blow ahead of Mauricio Pochettino decision

Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their would-be pursuit for Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The 44-year-old is highly regarded across Europe for his work with Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk and since touching down in the Premier League. De Zerbi guided Brighton to a sixth-place finish last season and he has been tipped to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge — should the Blues decide to make a change in their dugout.

However, other top European clubs might have other ideas for the in-demand Italian.

Liverpool remain on the lookout for their next manager — with Jurgen Klopp set to leave Anfield this summer — and De Zerbi is one name thought to be in the mix for that position. One of the early favourites, Xabi Alonso, is seen as «unlikely» to make it on to the final shortlist at Anfield despite links with the club and his success this season.

Alonso and his plucky Bayer Leverkusen side are closing in on their first ever Bundesliga title. They remain unbeaten in all competitions and have also made it through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Reports from The Times indicate Liverpool are ready to side-step their former midfielder and, instead, look towards Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon to take charge when Klopp departs. De Zerbi is another candidate for that role and, as such, Chelsea might have to move quickly if they want the Italian to replace Pochettino.

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Pochettino's future at Stamford Bridge is unclear after an underwhelming few months.

Chelsea did not compete in Europe this campaign and they were beaten Carabao Cup finalists.