Chelsea have refused to yield to Napoli’s demand and deadline to pay the £7million release clause for manager Maurizio Sarri. The Blues had until last night to reach an agreement over the figure for Sarri whose contract with Napoli expires in 2020, although he has been replaced with Carlo Ancelotti.

Reports suggested that talks were held last week with Sarri’s representatives over a two-year deal with an option for another 12 months.

It is believed that Chelsea are now waiting to see if Sarri’s legal team will engage in the pursuit of a case of constructive dismissal against Napoli, thus pressuring Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis into reaching a compromise.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that former PSG boss Laurent Blanc has also been sounded out as a backup option. The club are also huge admirers of Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic.