Chelsea hold talks to sign Aston Villa set-piece coach Austin MacPhee

Chelsea have opened discussions over the possible signing of Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa. The club faces interest from other sides in the Premier League and from teams in the Saudi Pro League.

MacPhee is described as a highly regarded set-piece coach who is currently on the coaching staff at Aston Villa. Chelsea have moved to engage in talks with Villa about securing his services. Sources say that that interest in the specialist has also arisen elsewhere within the Premier League and from Saudi Pro League clubs.

The negotiations centre on whether MacPhee would leave Aston Villa to join Chelsea in a coaching capacity. Chelsea's approach reflects their intent to recruit him, while competing parties from both England's top flight and the Saudi league are said to be pursuing him. Those developments have placed the coach among a small group of sought-after specialists.

Reports of the discussions underline MacPhee’s standing as a set-piece specialist within coaching circles. Interest stretching beyond domestic rivals to Saudi Pro League teams illustrates the breadth of demand for his skill set. Chelsea are one of the clubs actively involved in the talks to bring him in.

Aston Villa remain the club currently employing MacPhee, with Chelsea conducting negotiations over a potential move. Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs are also reported to be in contention for his services. No transfer has been completed at this stage.

Chelsea are pursuing Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa amid competition from other Premier League outfits and Saudi Pro League clubs. The situation remains active as talks continue.