Girona head coach Michel Sanchez has turned down the opportunity to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea manager, according to AS.

The Madrid-based newspaper claims that the Spaniard had an “important offer” from the Blues, which even led a contingent of officials to “travel to Spain” for discussions.

It is believed that they wanted to convey in person their desire for Michel to become the next Chelsea boss for the start of next season.

However, AS report that the 48-year-old rejected the proposal and he subsequently signed an extension with Girona instead, keeping him at the La Liga side until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Michel could still end up in the Premier League

While the Spaniard has seemingly turned down the chance to move to Stamford Bridge, there is a possibility that he could be working in England in the near future.

AS suggest that Michel is under consideration if Pep Guardiola leaves his post at Manchester City when his contract expires next year.

Who else could be considered to replace Pochettino in the Chelsea dugout?

Hansi Flick is one of the frontrunners if co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital opt to change head coach at the end of the season.

The former Bayern Munich and Germany manager will likely be joined on the shortlist by Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.

There have been reports in the German media that former coach Thomas Tuchel would be willing to return after being sacked by Bayern but there is no certainty that Chelsea’s owners would be open to the possibility.

Jose Mourinho has also been mentioned as a potential candidate but there is believed to be no desire in the boardroom to bring the Portuguese back to London for a third stint in charge of the club.