Maurizio Sarri is growing increasingly hopeful that he will be granted his dream move to Chelsea. Sarri has put himself in pole position to succeed Antonio Conte as head coach at Stamford Bridge, should, as expected, the 48-year-old be sacked.

Having hired intermediaries with close links to Chelsea, Sarri is attempting to push the Blues into making a decision and is desperate to get the job.

He believes he is close to be offered a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, once Chelsea finalise Conte’s future.

Despite leading the club to FA Cup success last Saturday, Conte has been left in the dark over his future while Chelsea decide what to do.

Luis Enrique and Laurent Blanc have also been under consideration, but Sarri has emerged as the leading contender to take over from Conte in recent days.