Michael Emenalo has reportedly stepped down from his role as technical director at Chelsea, leaving Stamford Bridge after 10 years of service to the club.
A close ally of owner Roman Abramovich over the seasons, Emenalo was initially appointed as chief scout in 2007, before moving into the role of technical director four years later after a brief spell as first-team coach during Carlo Ancelotti's spell as manager.
Mounting internal tensions at Chelsea have been the subject of much speculation since the end of last season, fuelled by apparent difficulties and disagreements in the transfer market.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Emenalo's decision to step down comes in the form of his wish to back away from a potential 'three-way power battle' at the top of the club alongside manager Antonio Conte and chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia.