Chelsea in Talks to Sign Aston Villa Set-Piece Coach Austin MacPhee

Chelsea have opened talks to bring Aston Villa's highly regarded set-piece coach Austin MacPhee to Stamford Bridge, according to sources. The 46-year-old Scot has a release clause in his contract, meaning Villa would be guaranteed compensation should a deal go through. However, the Blues face stiff competition: several other Premier League clubs and deep-pocketed sides from the Saudi Pro League are also tracking MacPhee. His pedigree is backed by standout numbers - in the 2023/24 season, Villa scored more goals from set pieces than any other team in Europe's top five leagues. They remained in the top five the following campaign, and last season matched Arsenal's efficiency from dead-ball situations. MacPhee has spent the last five years balancing his club duties with a similar role for the Portugal national team under Roberto Martínez. If he leaves, he will be one of several key staff members to depart Villa Park after Unai Emery's highly successful tenure, which brought a Europa League trophy and Champions League qualification. New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has room in his backroom staff - previous set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva, signed from Brentford in 2024 for £750,000, is gradually moving into a more analytical position. Separately, Chelsea have already completed a £117 million deal for Villa winger Morgan Rogers, while Alejandro Garnacho has joined the Midlands club on loan with an obligation to buy.