Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign highly regarded set‑piece coach Austin Mac Phee from Aston Villa.

The move faces competition from other Premier League clubs and Saudi Pro League teams. Villa would receive compensation under a specified release clause, and Mac Phee’s contract is understood to include a clause that would trigger a fee.

The 46‑year‑old Scottish coach has combined his Villa role with a similar position for the Portugal national team for five years under Roberto Martinez, who resigned after the World Cup. Villa scored more goals from set‑pieces than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2023‑24 season, then finished joint‑top with Arsenal in the Premier League last season. Mac Phee helped the club win the Europa Conference League and qualify for the Champions League under manager Unai Emery.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has room in his backroom staff after former set‑piece coach Bernardo Cueva moved to a behind‑the‑scenes role. Chelsea also signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for £117m this week, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to the club on loan, likely to become permanent through an option to buy.