CHELSEA IS EXPECTED TO HIRE ENZO FERNANDEZ'S REPLACEMENT AS MANAGER

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has requested that Marcelo Gallardo be appointed as the club's next permanent manager.

And the club is now seriously considering hiring the Argentine.

Chelsea are looking for a permanent manager after deciding to fire Graham Potter a few weeks ago.

Frank Lampard, who was appointed caretaker manager, did not get off to a good start, losing his first game in charge to Wolves in the Premier League.

He will, however, continue at Stamford Bridge until the conclusion of the season as the club conducts a thorough search for a permanent replacement.

Several reports in Argentina indicate Gallardo, a former River Plate leader, is sure of being the next manager at Stamford Bridge.

UOL reported that he is 'near' to being appointed with Fernandez said to have played a big role to bring the Argentine to west London.

The 22-year-old is alleged to have 'given the go-ahead' for the appointment of the manager to Chelsea's hierarchy.

Fernandez came through River Plate's academy while Gallardo was in charge and made his professional debut under the Argentine manager, whom he regards as a father figure.

Gallardo, 47, has already notified his coaching staff that he will return to the mound this summer.