Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has reportedly requested that the club bring in Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini this summer.
According to The Sun, Conte has made it clear that he wants the transfer market specialist to join him at Stamford Bridge as he looks ahead to his first season in charge in England next year.
The former Juventus boss will arrive in west London after Euro 2016, and has been linked with various players in Serie A as he looks to rebuild the squad and stamp his mark on the club.
That process appears to also involve changes in the hierarchy, with Sabatini already revealing earlier this year that he will be leaving his post with the Giallorossi at the end of the season.
Although the Italian capital club are hopeful of changing his mind, an offer from Chelsea could be the breaking point in negotiations. Meanwhile, a move to the Premier League outfit would likely result in the departure of current technical director Michael Emenalo.
Sabatini has been credited with securing the transfers of some of the most promising young players in world football in previous roles including at Palermo.
While he has experienced mixed results for the most part at Roma, he would be considered a quality addition to the Chelsea set-up were he to join Conte’s revolution this summer.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether or not the current Italy boss gets his way, as he has already ensured that he will bring his own backroom staff with him to the club.
Another concession from owner Roman Abramovich in allowing Sabatini to come in would be seen as a huge show of faith in Conte, as the reigning Premier League champions look to make big improvements on what has been a disappointing season this year.
On the whole, there is great confidence that Conte will be the man to ensure that that happens, but he is certainly looking to make his presence felt at the club with a number of new faces likely to arrive ahead of next season.