Italy boss Antonio Conte now favourite for Chelsea manager’s job

Italy manager Antonio Conte appears to have edged one step closer to becoming Chelsea manager this summer, after he was backed as favourite to make the move to the capital.

The Blues parted ways with Jose Mourinho back in December and the 53-year-old was subsequently replaced by Guus Hiddink on a short-term deal until the summer.

That has since prompted widespread speculation as to who will be Chelsea’s next permanent boss, with Conte’s name constantly mooted as the obvious candidate.

The former Juventus boss has been in charge of the Azzurri since 2014, but his deal expires at the end of this summer’s European Championship.

Sky Sports have since reported that Conte is expected to be the next manager of Chelsea, with the 46-year-old currently priced at 8/13 to be the Blues’ next boss.

The aforementioned source goes on to reveal that Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo has actually travelled to Italy today in order to attend the clash between Juventus and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Conte is believed to be attending his former side’s heavyweight clash in Turin and the early indications are Emenalo could perhaps look to continue discussions with the Italy boss.

The fact that Conte’s deal with the Italy national team runs out this summer means Roman Abramovich will not have to cough up any sort of fee to bring the ex-midfielder to the capital.