Liam Rosenior has announced he has a verbal agreement with Chelsea to become the club's new manager.
The 41-year-old, who is currently in charge of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, will take over from Enzo Maresca, who was relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day.
Rosenior, speaking at a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday morning, said: "I was given permission to speak to one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world.
"It looks like I am going to be the next manager of that football club (Chelsea). I haven't signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea.
"It's really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done - nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.
"Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. I'm here because I care about this club (Strasbourg) and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.
"I have had interest from many clubs, including [UEFA] Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.
"I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea."
Rosenior to bring assistants with him
Rosenior has confirmed that he plans to take his assistants Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker with him to Chelsea, plus head of analysis Ben Warner.
"I would not be in this position without my unbelievable staff," he said. "I am leaving a lot of really good people behind. What I do know is that a good group of people are coming in.
"I have never met a person with such emotional intelligence as I have with Kalifa. Sadly for Strasbourg he is coming with me."