The FA’s technical director and reported Chelsea target Dan Ashworth is believed to be closing in on a move to join Brighton.
According to the Mirror, Ashworth has resigned from his role within the FA in order to take up a similar role at the Premier League club.
Ashworth had previously been one of the many names linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Ashworth is very highly thought of behind the scenes at the FA and took a lot of credit for the success the Three Lions enjoyed at the World Cup in Russia over the summer.
The Blues are still yet to replace Michael Emenalo, who left for Monaco last season.
The lack of a technical director was cited as one of the major pitfalls of Antonio Conte’s departure from Chelsea, with a clear line of communication to the boardroom lost when Emenalo left.
Former Blues Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, while Roma’s Monchi is also reportedly an option for the club.
