Chelsea are preparing to announce an amicable parting with Maurizio Sarri in the next few days once Juventus have agreed to buy out the final year of his £5 million contract. The Italian head coach held talks with Chelsea officials on Friday and remained in contact with the club over the weekend. Both parties agreed that his departure after less than 11 months at Stamford Bridge is the best outcome for all concerned.

Sarri told Chelsea that he was willing to see out the final year of his contract if the club bought into his footballing vision and provided him with more public backing in the face of discontent from some fans. That support has been lacking throughout a difficult first season, which nevertheless ended