Antonio Conte was prepared to leave Chelsea this summer.

The Sunday Times says the 48-year-old wanted to leave in the summer after falling out with the board but sources close to Conte have signalled his interest in moving on at the end of the campaign.

They state he was ready to walk away from Chelsea after winning the title but he stayed to avoid handing over a hefty contract termination penalty fee to the club.

The so-called "claw-back clause" has been devised to prevent managers from leaving the club against its will and Conte would have had to pay around £20m if he'd opted to leave.

However, Conte is now willing to leave this summer with his current deal expiring in 2019 after he agreed improved terms in July, but failed to sign a contract extension.

Conte's advisers are now inviting leading Serie A sides to register their interest in his services.