Chelsea approach Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola's representatives after Liam Rosenior's dismissal

Liam Rosenior was fired as Chelsea boss following their 3-0 loss at Brighton and Hove Albion -Credit:Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Nevertheless, Chelsea's five-strong group of sporting directors are operating behind the scenes in preparation for a summer appointment. Iraola is among several candidates under consideration, with the Spaniard departing Bournemouth after this season, declaring he believed it will be the "right moment to step away."

Chelsea have reached out to Iraola's representatives, sources indicate, to learn more about his intentions in the summer as he seeks a new position. The discussion was not extensive and the purpose of the conversation was to collect additional information about the Spaniard's mindset at this juncture.

Iraola, predictably, declined to comment on speculation regarding his future when questioned about the Chelsea job last week.

The 43-year-old has spent three seasons with the Cherries, building an outstanding reputation for his work since making the step up to the Premier League.

Iraola steered Bournemouth to a 12th-place finish in his first season at the Vitality Stadium, before improving to ninth the following year, with the south coast club on track to surpass that standing this term despite losing several key personnel during last summer's transfer window.

Although Chelsea have registered their interest in Iraola, the West London team are in no hurry to fast-track their decision, as BlueCo, the consortium overseeing operations at Stamford Bridge, continues their search for the ideal candidate to lead their ambitious long-term vision at the club.