Chelsea moved for former Brighton manager Graham Potter over fears of rival interest from the English FA.
The Daily Mail says Chelsea moved quickly for Potter because they feared he could become England manager.
The Blues felt their new boss might not be attainable for long – if he continued his fine work with Brighton.
So, they jumped ahead of the queue to hire him after sacking Thomas Tuchel.
The report adds that Gareth Southgate could leave his post as Three Lions boss after the World Cup in November.