Maurizio Sarri 'still favourite for Chelsea job'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 13 June 2018

Former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri reportedly remains Chelsea's preferred choice to replace Antonio Conte should they change manager this summer.

Former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is reportedly still Chelsea's preferred choice to take over as their new manager should they sack Antonio Conte this summer.

Speculation over Conte's future has been rife throughout the season following reports that he has fallen out with the board, and he is expected to leave Stamford Bridge after the club missed out on a top-four spot in the Premier League.

However, Chelsea's progress in resolving the managerial situation has been slow due to wrangling with Conte over a payout if he is fired a year before the end of his contract, as the Italian would be due £9.5m in compensation.

The Evening Standard reports that the club hope to take further steps in coming to a solution this week, though, with Sarri still the favourite to succeed his compatriot.

Sarri is still under contract at Napoli despite the Serie A outfit having appointed Carlo Ancelotti last month and would therefore also need to be bought out of his deal by Chelsea.

Laurent Blanc and Slavisa Jokanovic are also thought to be on Chelsea's shortlist, but their priority target remains Sarri.