Graham Potter’s Brighton press conference is CANCELLED as Chelsea prepare to formally offer him job

Brighton manager Graham Potter’s press conference has been scrapped as Chelsea prepare to offer him their manager’s job.

The Seagulls boss was due to speak to the media on Thursday ahead of his current side’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

But with Potter likely to be in the Chelsea dugout, along with his Brighton staff, for the Blues’ match against Fulham on Saturday, the decision has been made to cancel the press conference rather than see him face lots of questions about leaving.

The Seagulls boss was due to speak to the media on Thursday ahead of Brighton’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth – but that has now been cancelled, given the circumstances

He is likely to be in the Chelsea dugout with his staff for the Blues’ match v Fulham on Saturday

The Athletic’s Brighton reporter Andy Naylor tweeted: ‘No Graham Potter press conference today ahead of Saturday’s game at Bournemouth. 

‘That makes sense in the circumstances. #BHAFC #CFC Imagine the chaotic alternative.’

After the Blues sacked Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday, they are ready to make a move for Potter following Wednesday night talks in London. 

Potter’s Brighton assistant manager Billy Reid (left) could be among three staff members that the current Seagulls boss brings to Stamford Bridge should he get the role as expected

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly (right) sensationally sacked Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday

Potter was locked in advanced talks with the Blues on Wednesday night and an agreement is said to be close. Barring any last-minute hitches, he is expected to be in charge for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Fulham. 

Having made a formal approach to Brighton, Chelsea were granted permission to speak to Potter. 

Those talks are understood to have been led by co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in London on Wednesday afternoon and continued into the evening. Sources said the only way Chelsea would not appoint him is if he turned down the role. 

The identification of Potter as Chelsea’s preferred option to replace Tuchel — who will receive as much as £15million in compensation after his shock dismissal — has come during a period in which the club are without a sporting director. 

Boehly has taken interim charge, but it is understood the club are close to appointing someone in that role. Sources have even said the new man has had some influence on the move for Potter. 

Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards and ex-Tottenham and Southampton recruitment guru Paul Mitchell are among those being considered by Chelsea.

Sources have indicated Potter is fully open to taking over at Stamford Bridge and that reaching an agreement will be straightforward. 

The 47-year-old is understood to have a release clause of at least £12m in his contract, meaning Brighton are powerless to stop their manager leaving. 

Recruitment analyst Kyle Macaulay and first-team coach Billy Reid are among the Brighton staff set to follow Potter to London.

Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday hours after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb, Chelsea’s third loss in seven games.