Maurizio Sarri distances himself from Chelsea job

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 05 February 2018

Maurizio Sarri says that he sees no reason not to commit his future to Napoli by penning a new deal, amid claims that Chelsea are hopeful of luring him to West London.

Rumoured Chelsea managerial target Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he is due to begin discussions with Napoli over a new contract.

The 59-year-old has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Antonio Conte, who is currently at loggerheads with Blues chiefs regarding the club's transfer policy.

Conte still has 18 months left to run on his Stamford Bridge contract, but the pressure has continued to grow on the Italian following a string of disappointing results.

Napoli boss Sarri appears to have distanced himself from the likely soon-to-be-vacant position, however, as he wants to continue working at the Stadio San Paolo for the long term.

Asked about reports of a new deal being offered by president Aurelio De Laurentiis, Sarri told Mediaset Premium: "I can't meet anyone on Friday, as we have a game on Saturday.

"I want to focus on other issues right now, so someone will meet with the president over the next few days and listen to the proposal on my behalf. There's no problem between Aurelio and I, so it's not an issue."

Napoli are one point clear of Juventus at the top of the Serie A table, as they close in on a first top-flight crown since 1990.