Chelsea boss Emma Hayes will become the highest-paid female manager in the world if she does become the USA’s next head coach, according to the Evening Standard.

The newspaper claims US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker is “in London” as he looks to agree a “record-breaking” contract with Hayes.

It was announced by Chelsea at the weekend that Hayes would be leaving the WSL champions next summer, with it being stated that she would “pursue a new opportunity outside of” club football.

From there, it quickly emerged that the United States were looking to secure her services as they seek to appoint a new head coach ahead of next year’s Olympics in France.

Why have the USA turned to Hayes?

The USWNT had a poor World Cup earlier this year, as they were knocked out at the last 16 stage by Sweden on penalties. Vlatko Andonovski resigned following the disappointing performance in the tournament Down Under.

Hayes’s outstanding record as Chelsea manager (six Women’s Super League titles, 5 FA Cups, 2 Conti Cups and 1 Community Sheild) makes her one of the standout candidates to take over the hot seat.

Hayes could earn a bumper pay packet

Chelsea have already given US Soccer permission to speak with Hayes, but there is an agreement that she will stay in charge of the Blues until the end of the season. Twila Kilgore is staying on as USA’s caretaker coach for now, with friendlies coming up against China next month.

It is believed that Hayes could earn as much as the USA’s men’s head coach, Gregg Berhalter, who currently takes home a salary of around $1.6m (£1.3m) a year.

Chelsea have yet to start their recruitment process to replace Hayes but the search will get underway in due course, with the Standard suggesting that former Manchester United manager Casey Stoney could be considered.