Chelsea's board believe Maurizio Sarri's appointment is their best shot at keeping the team together.

The Sun says Blues management are convinced Sarri as boss will keep their top stars at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Willian have kept a close eye on Blues' managerial saga while playing in the World Cup.

That situation is set to come to a head in the next 24 hours with Antonio Conte facing the sack to be immediately replaced by former Napoli chief Sarri.

However, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis said yesterday: “The Sarri deal is in the home stretch, it depends on him.

“I've laid down my conditions, it is all in the hands of ­lawyers."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and key aide Marina Granovskaia believe Sarri's appointment will unify the club.