Chelsea 'hold talks with Maurizio Sarri over two-year deal'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 26 May 2018

Chelsea reportedly close in on the appointment of Maurizio Sarri after holding talks with the former Napoli boss over a two-year deal to replace Antonio Conte.

Chelsea are reportedly close to appointing Maurizio Sarri as their new manager after holding talks with the Italian in London.

Sarri, who was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti as Napoli manager earlier this week, flew to London on Friday to undergo negotiations with the club over a two-year contract.

The Mirror reports that the 58-year-old is now on the verge of being appointed as Chelsea's new manager, despite the Premier League club still needing to sort out Antonio Conte's future.

Conte has led Chelsea to the Premier League title and FA Cup trophy during his two years at the helm, but he is expected to leave the club this summer following disagreements with the board and a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

Conte still has a year remaining on his initial contract and it is thought that it will cost the capital outfit £9m to sack the Italian, who is refusing to quit the club despite the speculation over his future.

Chelsea are still willing to make the change, though, with Sarri now the overwhelming favourite to take charge ahead of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.