Antonio Conte is expected to be announced as the next Chelsea manager on a three-year contract within 10 days, according to Sky Sports.
Sky Sports reports that the Italy boss has held positive talks with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia over taking charge for next season.
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone is the only other contender who is in the frame to replace interim boss Guus Hiddink, Sky Sports understands.
Hiddink returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in December after Jose Mourinho paid the price for Chelsea’s awful start to the campaign.
Many names have been tipped to be the Special One’s long-term successor, but it appears as though 46-year-old Conte is now in pole position.
The former Juventus boss is out of contract with the Italian Football Federation after Euro 2016, so Chelsea would not have to pay compensation for him, Sky Sports reports.
Conte managed Juve to three successive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014, and also enjoyed a glittering playing career with the Turin giants.
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