Christoph Freund agrees to become Chelsea sporting director

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Christoph Freund agrees to become Chelsea sporting director

Christoph Freund has agreed to become Chelsea's new sporting director, sources have confirmed to 90min, which will see him make the switch from Red Bull Salzburg.

The 45-year-old had already been in talks with Chelsea - as 90min earlier revealed. Those talks have now progressed further this weekend, with sources confirming an agreement has been reached.

Chelsea's lack of a Premier League match this weekend gave their hierarchy the chance to progress and they have now agreed terms with Freund. 90min is told he has spoken at length with new head coach Graham Potter, who in turn has green-lighted the appointment of the Austrian.

Freund was pinpointed by co-owner Todd Boehly as the right man for the role after the club had failed to persuade former Liverpool man Michael Edwards to take charge.

Chelsea also spoke to the likes of Paul Mitchell and Luis Campos about the role. But Freund was offered the job by Boehly and he has agreed to take charge - having been given the blessing by Red Bull Salzburg to negotiate terms with Chelsea.

Freund signed a new long-term deal at Salzburg earlier this year, but they have not tried to prevent him from leaving, recognising that the opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge is a huge one.

Chelsea are now set to finalise terms with Salzburg and Freund, but are expected to confirm his appointment early next week.