Chelsea are prepared to demand compensation from Manchester City if Enzo Maresca is appointed as Pep Guardiola's successor, in a fresh twist to one of the biggest managerial stories of the summer.
Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge at the Etihad Stadium after reports that Guardiola will end his glittering 10-year spell in Manchester at the conclusion of the season.
But any move for the Italian could trigger a bitter dispute with Chelsea, who remain deeply unhappy about the circumstances surrounding his abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge in January.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea believe Maresca held discussions with Manchester City while still employed as their head coach.
The west London club are said to be ready to seek financial compensation and, if no agreement is reached, could escalate the matter by lodging a formal complaint with the Premier League.
Such a complaint would likely prompt an official investigation.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali hinted at unresolved legal issues when discussing Maresca's departure during a conference in Los Angeles last month.
Chelsea are prepared to demand compensation from Manchester City if Enzo Maresca is appointed as Pep Guardiola's successor, in a fresh twist to one of the biggest managerial stories of the summer
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"The change wasn't the club's decision," Eghbali said.
"For reasons I can't speak about legally."
He added: "I think the reasons will become kind of clear in due course."
Enzo Maresca is rumoured to have talked to Man City while he was still Chelsea manager
| REUTERSLATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola | GETTY/GB NEWSMaresca's position at Chelsea had become increasingly precarious after he failed to attend post-match media duties following a draw with Bournemouth on January 2.
Chelsea had been second in the Premier League earlier in the campaign, but a disappointing run of results undermined their season.
Successor Liam Rosenior was unable to reverse the slide, and the club are currently being overseen by caretaker manager Callum McFarlane.
Before his spell at Chelsea, Maresca worked closely with Guardiola as Manchester City's Under-23 coach and later as his assistant during the club's treble-winning 2022-23 season.
He then guided Leicester City to promotion before returning to Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, City are preparing for an emotional farewell to Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola has won 17 major trophies, and 20 overall, during his time with Man City | PAThe Spaniard has won 17 major trophies during his decade at the Etihad, transforming City into one of the most dominant teams in world football.
Talks are already under way over naming the club's newly expanded North Stand after him as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary achievements.
City host Bournemouth on Tuesday knowing anything less than victory could hand the Premier League title to Arsenal.
The Gunners sit five points clear at the summit after a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday night.