Salzburg director 'excludes' Freund at Chelsea despite Romano suggesting otherwise

Red Bull Salzburg managing director Stephan Reiter is confident that Christoph Freund will not leave the Austrian champions for Chelsea.

Salzburg administrator Freund has been heavily linked with the sporting director role at Stamford Bridge over the past week.

He took on a very visible role in his side's 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Champions League last Wednesday.

On Sunday, Fabrizio Romano said the Blues were close to agreeing personal terms with Freund.

The 45-year-old will come to England with an excellent reputation after discovering Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Dayot Upamecano.

In addition to Romano, the PA news agency also expects Freund to be named sporting director at Chelsea.

Freund reportedly verbally agreed to the role that new co-owner Todd Boehly filled on an interim basis this summer.

He apparently impressed Blues owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali with his insight, bold ideas and passion.

New Chelsea manager Graham Potter was reportedly asked about Freund before owners Boehly and Eghbali reached a deal.

Potter is said to be willing to work with Freund, with new Chelsea manager's backroom staffing specialist Kyle Macaulay also heavily involved.

Freund has formed strong bonds with many players at RB Salzburg, and Chelsea's new owners are believed to see this emotional involvement as a good complement to Potter's coaching style.

The Blues could also sign a technical director to work alongside the new Freund, and Monegasque Paul Mitchell remains a long-term target.

Chelsea players are believed to be encouraged by the speed with which Boehly and Eghbali are rebuilding the club's off-pitch structure.

The Blues stars know Potter needs to maximize his time on the grass to shape his Stamford Bridge plan, and believe Freund's expected arrival will allow the former Brighton boss to hone his tactics and team setup.

Co-owner Boehly will also be able to focus on his presidency of Chelsea.

However, Salzburg manager Reiter insists he is very relaxed about the situation.

"I can definitely rule that out, neither Chelsea nor Christoph Freund have spoken to me or the club management about anything like that," Reiter told Sky Sport Austria ( via Sport Witness).

"Christoph recently signed a contract with us until 2026, which applies to him as well as players, managers or coaches."

Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle added that he was not surprised to see Freund linked with Chelsea.

"Of course I noticed there were rumors, but it didn't affect me at all," Jaissle said.

"He did an amazing job with Reiter and went that route here; they're doing great.

"It makes sense that world-class teams would be interested, but I can't say what the truth is."