CHELSEA SETTLE ON CONTE’S REPLACEMENT.
The Blues managerial situation appears to have been resolved with reports the club are closing on a deal for Laurent Blanc to become its next manager according to British media outlets.
The Daily Express reports the London club have earmarked the 52- year-old as a replacement for Antonio Conte, who is widely expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Italian coach led the club to an underwhelming fifth-placed position in the league albeit winning another trophy in his second successive season in charge of the club.
The reports also claim Abramovich has held progressive talks over its managerial position with Blanc and Chelsea are optimistic a deal could be drawn to a positive conclusion over the coming days.
The same reports also claimed the Blues were unwilling to pay the 7 million pounds release clause for Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri and have moved for the Frenchman instead.
However, the Blues are yet to negotiate terms with Conte over his departure fee, amid reports the club could pay up to 9 million pounds. The deal for Blanc could be on hold as talks between both parties have appeared to have reached an impasse.
A deal for Blanc would end the uncertainty surrounding the club with reports claimed the unresolved managerial situation has created an upheaval amongst the playing staff within Stamford Bridge.