Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly was scouting new manager Graham Potter for weeks before the transfer window closed.
Boehly asked Marc Cucurella and his agents about Potter when the left-back signed for Chelsea from Brihgton, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The American billionaire spoke with Cucurella and his reps about Potter's personality, tactics, man-management, and other matters.
It appears the Chelsea co-owner took an instant disliking to Thomas Tuchel, who has now lost his job in favour of Potter.
However, Chelsea did sign players who Tuchel wanted in the summer, only to sack him within weeks of the new season getting underway.
Potter may have to wait until October to get his first taste of the Premier League with the Blues, as their match against Liverpool scheduled for this weekend is postponed.