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ITALY coach Antonio Conte is becoming increasingly confident that he can land the job as Chelsea’s next permanent manager ahead of the club’s other top targets.
Chelsea have spoken to Conte as part of a due diligence process that has also seen them consider Jorge Sampaoli, Diego Simeone and Massimiliano Allegri.
But with Juventus hopeful of tying Allegri to a new contract and Simeone telling players that he is already planning for the summer at Atletico Madrid, Conte believes he is now the favourite for the Chelsea post ahead of Sampaoli.
And Conte is already believed to have identified Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan as a potential signing if he is appointed by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
While Chelsea have attempted to keep their cards close to their chest over the club’s manager hunt, Conte has made no secret of the fact he is keen on becoming the Blues’ next permanent manager when his contract as the national coach of Italy expires after the European Championships.
Conte has told friends in Italy that he has spoken with Chelsea and that he believes he has a good chance of getting the job, despite the Stamford Bridge club’s interest in other names.
Out-of-work Sampaoli is a serious candidate for the Chelsea job but has never managed in Europe, while Conte’s chances have been boosted by the fact Allegri and Simeone currently appear more likely to stay at their present clubs.
Conte was on Chelsea’s radar when he was in charge at Juventus, before the Blues reappointed Jose Mourinho in 2013. The 46-year-old won three Serie A titles with The Old Lady before becoming Italy coach in 2014. — The Telegraph
Online Reporter