Roberto De Zerbi Next Club Odds: Italian 5/4 favourite to be new Chelsea manager

Roberto De Zerbi is in the market for a new managerial position following the Italian's departure from Brighton & Hove Albion.

De Zerbi was one of Europe's highly-sought coaches after a terrific first full season in which he guided the Seagulls into a European competition for the first time in the club's history.

His bold, aggressive tactics invited compliments from across the division but De Zerbi's tenure at the Amex Stadium had soured in recent months, with results deteriorating and the former Sassuolo boss increasingly critical of the club's recruitment policy.

The situation seemingly irreparable, both club and manager mutually agreed to part company and now De Zerbi is on the hunt for a new position elsewhere.

Linked to Chelsea and Manchester United, we look at the latest odds on De Zerbi's future.

Manchester United - 11/2

Erik ten Hag's increasingly inevitable departure means a vacancy is likely to arise at Manchester United and De Zerbi is the third favourite in the market at 11/2.

Whoever is to arrive at Old Trafford faces a major rebuild task, and we're not just referencing the leaking roof.

One element that has been noticeably lacking under Ten Hag's stewardship is a playing identity. De Zerbi has come under criticism for his tactical naivety but to his credit, even when results haven't been in his favour, the Italian has stuck to his principles and his Brighton side had a discernible style of play.

His abrasive personality may ruffle one too many feathers of the new Manchester United hierarchy but De Zerbi has proven he can maximise the resources at his disposal.

Young players such as Jan Paul van Hecke have developed significantly under De Zerbi's tutelage, which would bode well for United's current crop of youth.

Chelsea - 5/4

Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to part ways had been hinted at long before it came to pass.

Nevertheless, Todd Boehly finds himself on the hunt for yet another manager and it's understood that the Blues hierarchy have drawn up a four-man shortlist of candidates to succeed Pochettino.

His attractive style of possession-based football would certainly fit Chelsea's brief but as mentioned above, De Zerbi would need to demonstrate he can work within the parameters set by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

If Chelsea were to move for the Italian, it's been widely reported that Brighton would still be due £5 million in compensation, though that is considerably less than the £15 million clause inserted into his contract while employed by the club.

De Zerbi's price has shortened considerably into 5/4 since Friday evening, though there has been plenty of movement with no clear favourite in line to take over the Stamford Bridge gig.