FA ‘not surprised’ by Graham Potter to Chelsea after ‘lining him up for England’

The Football Association are reportedly not surprised by Chelsea's successful pursuit of Graham Potter as they remain keen to eventually appoint the Brighton and Hove Albion boss as England manager.

Potter, 47, has verbally agreed to take the reins at Stamford Bridge following Thomas Tuchel's shock departure on Wednesday (September 7). The German gaffer, 49, was handed a £250million war chest in the summer to bring in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and was bizarrely axed just six days after the transfer window slammed shut.

Blues owner Todd Boehly was spotted driving into Chelsea's Cobham training complex yesterday to address the first-team squad on his plans going forward with Potter topping his managerial wishlist to take on the vacancy.

READ MORE: Chelsea players were informed of Thomas Tuchel sacking by text message

However, news of Potter's impending appointment has not surprised FA chiefs, as the former Ostersunds manager has been earmarked to eventually replace Gareth Southgate in the England hot seat.

The Daily Mail reports that the FA have already identified Potter as a leading candidate to replace the Three Lions boss – though Southgate's position remains unquestionably one of the safest seats in the country after spearheading England to a first major final in 55 years.

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Even so, that has not stopped the FA from planning his future successor and Potter's expansive, free-flowing football is understood to have excited the Management Team, who will keep a watchful eye on his developments at Stamford Bridge.

Guiding Brighton to their highest-ever Premier League finish last season, Albion currently occupy the final Champions League spot in the table, having lost just one match from their opening six fixtures.

Potter is now expected to be installed as Chelsea manager in the coming days and will take charge of the Blues for the first time in the west London derby against Fulham on Saturday.

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