Chelsea management have settled on Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri as their No1 choice to replace Antonio Conte.
The Daily Mail says the 59-year-old had emerged as a contender for the Stamford Bridge hotseat, but he is now Roman Abramovich's No 1 choice to replace Antonio Conte.
The Blues have considered a number of big names for the job including former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel.
But Sarri, who has a £7m buyout clause in his deal, is now in pole position after he indicated his wish to leave Serie A at the end of the season in search of a fresh challenge.
Napoli are already on the lookout for someone to replace Sarri, who they expect to join Chelsea ahead of the new season.