Chelsea are in negotiations to bring set-piece coach Austin MacPhee to Stamford Bridge, with the club understood to be competing against several Premier League sides and Saudi Pro League outfits for his signature.

MacPhee, 46, has spent the past five years at Aston Villa, where his influence on the club's dead-ball delivery has been profound. During the 2023-24 season, Villa scored more goals from set-pieces than any other side across Europe's top five leagues — a record that drew attention from across the continent. The following campaign, they finished among the top five again, and were joint-top alongside Arsenal in the Premier League last season.

The Scottish coach has simultaneously held a set-piece coaching role with the Portugal national team under Roberto Martinez, a position that came to an end when Martinez resigned after the World Cup.

MacPhee's exit from Villa Park

MacPhee would be among several staff members departing Villa Park this summer. The club enjoyed a highly successful period under manager Unai Emery, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and securing a place in the UEFA Champions League.

Aston Villa are entitled to compensation for MacPhee, whose contract is reported to include a specified release clause.

Alonso reshaping Chelsea's backroom

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has room to add to his coaching staff following a shift in the role of existing set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva. Cueva, who joined Chelsea from Brentford for £750,000 in 2024, is moving away from a touchline-facing position into a more operational, behind-the-scenes capacity.

The move for MacPhee comes amid significant transfer activity between Chelsea and Aston Villa this week. Chelsea completed the signing of Morgan Rogers from Villa for £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho headed in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal that carries an option to buy, widely expected to become permanent.