Maurizio Sarri left Napoli earlier this month

Napoli will demand compensation from any club looking to hire former boss Maurizio Sarri, despite his £7m release clause expiring on Thursday, according to Sky in Italy.

Sarri has been linked with a move to Chelsea, with Sky in Italy reporting that the Stamford Bridge club have a general agreement with him via his representatives to succeed Antonio Conte if he leaves his role as manager.

The 59-year-old left Napoli earlier this month, being replaced by former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis does not want to let him go for free.

Aurelio De Laurentiis wants compensation for Sarri

If Chelsea do want Sarri, Napoli will demand a payment, with De Laurentiis asking for the £7m (€8m) release clause to be paid.

It is also understood that Sarri is considering filing a lawsuit against Napoli for not releasing him from his contract, with Chelsea also looking into their options in terms of a lawsuit, or an appeal to FIFA.

Antonio Conte could be on his way out of Chelsea

Napoli might also take legal action against Sarri, as he is contracted to the club until 2020.

Conte still has one year left on the contract he signed as Chelsea boss last summer, having led the club to a Premier League title and FA Cup win in his two years in charge.