Chelsea FC have agreed a deal in principal with Italy head coach Antonio Conte
According to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta hello sport, the London based club held talks with the Italian manager regarding an appointment at Stamford Bridge in the summer, in which the fine details of the contract were discussed.
After the 2016 European Championships, Conte’s contract is due to expire, leaving him free to talk to any club. He has already expressed a desire to move to a Premier League club, and ply his trade in England.
Conte is now seen as the front runner for the Chelsea Job, overtaking candidates such as Athletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone, and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri for the permanent replacement of Jose Mourinho. It is said that a formal decision will be made in mid March.
Candidates play down their desire to become Chelsea boss
Allegri has played down any sort of move to England however, as his agent Giovanni Branchini stated in an interview: “Allegri will stay where he is, he’s happy at Juventus.”
Current caretaker manager Guus Hiddink has also hinted at retirement at the end of the season, though it seems that some Chelsea players want the Dutchman on a more permanent basis.
