Chelsea are moving closer to securing former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri.
Sarri, 59, has been replaced by Carlo Ancelotti at the Italian club but still remains under contract. It is understood negotiations between all parties are reaching their final stages.
Current Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, 48, has a clause in his contract that guarantees him a pay-off, thought to be £9m, for the final year of his deal.
Sarri joined Napoli in 2015 and led them to second behind champions Juventus last season.
Conte won the Premier League in his first season at the club in 2017, and the FA Cup in May this year.