Chelsea have held positive talks with Brighton’s Graham Potter over their vacant manager’s job after sacking Thomas Tuchel in the wake of Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Potter is Chelsea’s first choice, with Mauricio Pochettino their preferred backup option should talks break down and Zinedine Zidane another on the shortlist. Potter has a release clause that is believed to decrease each year and is currently about £16m

Tuchel’s departure follows a disappointing start to the season, with the club having also been beaten by Leeds and Southampton in the Premier League and has been on the cards after Tuchel’s relationship with the co-owner Todd Boehly unravelled during a chaotic summer transfer window.