Chelsea are negotiating to hire acclaimed set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa, but they face rival interest from other Premier League sides and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Villa are entitled to compensation, with MacPhee’s deal believed to contain a defined release clause.
The 46-year-old Scot has split his duties at Villa Park with a comparable role for Portugal’s national team for the past five years under Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after the World Cup.
Villa led Europe’s top five leagues for set-piece goals in 2023-24, then remained among the top performers the following season and ended last term level with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League in that category.
MacPhee would be one of several staff members departing Villa Park this summer after contributing to the club’s Europa League triumph and Champions League qualification under Unai Emery.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has room in his coaching group because previous set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva, signed from Brentford for £750,000 in 2024, is shifting from a touchline post to a behind-the-scenes role.
Chelsea also completed the £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa this week, with Alejandro Garnacho moving the other way on an initial loan expected to become permanent via an option to buy.