Chelsea add Watfords Javi Gracia to three-man shortlist to replace Maurizio Sarri

Maurizio Sarri remains under pressure at Chelsea and could be replaced by Watford manager Javi Gracia, whose tenure in charge of the Hornets has impressed Stamford Bridges bosses.

Sarri appeared to ease the pressure surrounding his future thanks to a string of improved results and the introduction of more youth players into his starting XI.

However, defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday saw the sides top-four hopes take a blow and he could be back in the firing line if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Blues will drop out of the top four if Arsenal beat Watford on Monday night, though that is not the only reason Chelsea bosses will be watching the game with interest.

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According to the Daily Record, Chelseas decision-makers have been hugely impressed by the job Gracia has done at Vicarage Road, with the team on course for a seventh-place finish and already in the final of the FA Cup.

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As well as results on the pitch, Chelsea are particularly drawn to Gracias calm and understated manner off it – a marked contrast from some of the west Londoners recent managers.

The Spaniard is also happy to be a head coach and they do not believe he will be as demanding in the transfer market as Sarri, who made requests to sign a number of high-level players both in the summer and winter.