Emerging reports indicate that Chelsea are very close to appointing Maurizio Sarri as their new manager after holding talks with the Italian manager in London.

Sarri was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti as Napoli manager in the course of the week and flew into London on Friday to engage in negotiations with the London club over a two-year contract.

According to the Mirror, the 58-year-old is on the verge of being appointed as a replacement for Antonio Conte who is set to leave the club.

According to the Mirror, the 58-year-old is on the verge of being appointed as a replacement for Antonio Conte who is set to leave the club.

Conte has a year left in his initial contract and it is believed that it will cost Chelsea £9m to sack the Italian, who has refused to quit the club despite the speculations over his future.

However, the Blues hierarchy are willing to make a change as Sarri is now the overwhelming favorite to stand in the manager dugout for Chelsea next season.