Calum McFarlane will hope to build on Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leeds United in the FA Cup when they face Nottingham Forest on May 4.
The Blues defeated the Whites to reach the final of the FA Cup, with McFarlane in temporary charge of the west London club until the end of the season, following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last week.
McFarlane previously took charge of two games before Rosenior’s appointment in January, overseeing a draw against Manchester City at The Etihad, before a defeat against west London rivals Fulham.
Ahead of the visit of Forest, it has emerged that a current Premier League manager is the current frontrunner to take charge at Stamford Bridge next season.
As per CaughtOffside, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as the most likely candidate to take charge of the Blues this summer.
Chelsea have appointed McFarlane as caretaker head coach until the end of the current campaign, giving those in charge of the club time to decide on a permanent appointment.
Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season (Photo: Mark Pain/Alamy)
Iraola, 43, is set to leave Bournemouth when his contract with the Cherries expires at the end of the season, and the report suggests that he is at the top of Chelsea’s wishlist.
Having taken charge of Bournemouth back in July 2023 after a successful stint with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, Iraola has won 46 of his 123 matches in charge of the south coast side across all competitions.
The Spaniard has also been linked with Manchester United, with Michael Carrick currently in a caretaker role until the end of the season and it not yet clear whether or not the Englishman will be given the role permanently.
Another name on Chelsea’s shortlist of possible candidates is Como boss Cesc Fabregas, who played for the Blues and enjoyed huge success during his time in SW6.