Blues will have to appoint by end of March
Chelsea will need to finalise negotiations with Antonio Conte by March 24, if they want him to become their new manager.
The Italian is widely expected to take over at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, replacing interim-manager Guus Hiddink and taking the job on a permanent basis.
Conte has confirmed he will be leaving his role with Italy after the European Championships and that is because he wants a return to club management.
According to reports, Conte has held numerous talks with Chelsea officials and he’s even had a tour of the Cobham training ground as well, sparking speculation that it’s already a done deal.
Deadline
However, Conte’s officials have told Chelsea that if they want the manager in place for next season, they will have to get it done by the end of March.
The 46-year-old wants his future sealed before Italy take on Spain in a friendly, which takes place March 24, as he doesn’t want uncertainty regarding his own future distracting preparations for the Euros.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
