Chelsea handed blow in sporting director search

Chelsea have been handed a blow in their sporting director search with Christoph Freund deciding to continue at RB Salzburg.

The Blues entered talks to sign the 45-year-old last week, and there were reports that they had agreed personal terms with Freund.

However, the London giants still needed to find an agreement with Salzburg. The Austrian outfit have now convinced Freund to stay.

In a statement from Salzburg, CEO Stephan Reiter revealed that Freund will continue at the club despite the recent move from Chelsea.

He said: "Freund informed me about Chelsea but at the end he will stay here at Red Bull Salzburg."

Freund has built his reputation over the past seven years at Salzburg, signing the likes of Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita.

The failure to sign him should come as a blow for Blues owner Todd Boehly, who is desperate to appoint a sporting director immediately.

Aside from Freund, PSG football advisor Luis Campos has also distanced himself from the role by stating his commitment towards Les Parisiens.