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Chelsea will look to avoid paying Antonio Conte his full £9million severance package because they believe his treatment of Diego Costa was not “in the best interests of the club”.

Italian boss Conte was relieved of his duties last summer after two years in charge of the club, and had one year remaining on his contract.

It is understood Conte had a clause in his contract that guaranteed him a pay-off, thought to be £9m, for the final year.

But Chelsea believe that the manager's conduct during his time in charge of the club was questionable, and they feel he is not entitled to the full package.

A private Premier League managers' arbitration tribunal, made up of three people and convened by the Premier League, takes place on Thursday in which both parties are expected to argue their cases.

(Image: Chelsea FC)

And, according to The Times , Chelsea’s argument will be led on Conte’s treatment of Costa.

The pair had a strained relationship during their time together in West London, which ultimately led to the striker returning to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2017.

Before Costa’s departure, Conte sent a text message to Costa that said "you are not in my plan".

That message forms part of Chelsea’s argument, after the striker went on strike and returned to Brazil.

(Image: REUTERS)

Costa was deemed surplus to requirements by the former Italy manager, and he was eventually sold to Atletico Madrid for £57million.

They believe this saga ultimately hindered their chances of selling him for his true market value, however.

Another part of their argument is that Conte’s conduct led to the club signing Real Madrid ’s Alvaro Morata for a whopping £60million.

The striker proved to be a huge flop at Stamford Bridge and returned to Spain in January to join Atletico Madrid on loan until the end of the 2019-20 season.