Chelsea

Luis Enrique in contention to replace Antonio Conte at Chelsea?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 20 January 2018

Chelsea are reportedly considering appointing Luis Enrique as head coach and Juliano Belletti as director of football if Antonio Conte leaves Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Luis Enrique and Juliano Belletti as possible arrivals at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Over the past six months, reports have suggested that current head coach Antonio Conte will not remain at the club past the end of the season, and it has led to numerous names being linked with the Blues hotseat.

However, according to the Daily Star, Enrique and Belletti are high on the shortlist of Roman Abramovich and could move to the West Londoners before the start of the next campaign.

Enrique has been out of work since leaving Barcelona last summer, while Belletti enjoyed three seasons at Chelsea during his playing career and could be appointed as the club's director of football if allowed to leave his ambassadorial role at Camp Nou.

Conte has previously played down the chances of an exit from the club after two years in charge, but it has been claimed that the Italian would prefer a return to his homeland.

Chelsea currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League standings, 15 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.