Chelsea are in discussions to bring Aston Villa’s set-piece specialist coach MacPhee to Stamford Bridge as they look to strengthen their backroom staff.
The west London club have identified MacPhee as a key target as part of their ongoing efforts to build a world-class coaching setup behind the scenes.
Set-piece coaching has become an increasingly important area of focus for top Premier League clubs in recent seasons, with dedicated specialists now considered essential.
Chelsea’s interest in MacPhee reflects the club’s recognition that dead-ball situations can prove decisive over the course of a long and competitive domestic and European campaign.
Aston Villa have been widely praised for their work in this area, with their set-piece routines frequently drawing attention from analysts and rival clubs across the division.
MacPhee’s role at Villa Park has seen the club develop a reputation for creativity and efficiency from both offensive and defensive set-piece situations throughout recent campaigns.
The Blues’ pursuit of specialist coaching talent follows a broader pattern of heavy investment at the club, both on the pitch and within the wider management structure.
Chelsea’s ownership group has made no secret of their ambition to construct a squad and support team capable of challenging for the game’s biggest prizes on multiple fronts.
Losing a specialist of MacPhee’s profile would represent a notable blow for Aston Villa, who have worked hard to establish themselves among the Premier League’s elite clubs.
The situation is one that Villa will be keen to resolve quickly, as stability within the coaching department remains important during a period of significant ambition at the club.
Talks between Chelsea and MacPhee are understood to be ongoing, with the outcome likely to attract close attention from clubs across the Premier League and beyond.
