Mirror EXCLUSIVE: Mendes recommends Conceição to Chelsea; 2 directors have their own agenda.【fangjie】

Mendes recommended Porto manager Sergio Conceição to Chelsea.

In recent weeks, Conceição has emerged as a strong contender for the AC Milan head coaching job, and Marseille have been testing his possibilities. It is understandable that Mendes is operating in this way and there has been a feeling that Pochettino could leave the Blues at the end of the season. Chelsea sources have yet to admit or deny whether Conceição is a genuine candidate for the vacancy, with Ipswich Town's McKenna and Leicester City's Maresca being of interest to sporting directors Winstanley and Stewart respectively. While their expertise, research and insight underpin the process, it will be the trio of co-holding owners Egbali, Burley and others who will ultimately decide Pochettino's successor. Understandably, Chelsea are likely to be reluctant to take on a manager with a so-called... "hardline" attitude, as the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have strong views on their internal dynamics at work. They also intend to maintain a high degree of control over transfer activity.