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Antonio Conte is ready to go into battle with Chelsea over the final year of his £9m-a-year contract.

Conte looks certain to leave Stamford Bridge this summer but the Italian is making it clear that he will not quit and has yet to receive another firm job offer.

The Chelsea boss will carry on insisting publicly that he wants to stay despite the ever increasing doubts over his future.

It leaves Chelsea facing the prospect of having to pay him up if he will not leave and they want to bring in a new manager.

The stalemate will become increasingly difficult over the next few weeks at a time when Chelsea are preparing for the FA Cup final and also battling to get into the top four.

(Image: REUTERS)

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Chelsea have been looking at various options, with Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, Juventus manager Max Allegri and ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique all in the frame.

Sarri is making it clear he wants the job and he has become the bookies’ favourite to take charge but it may not be an easy switch because Conte is unlikely to go quietly.

(Image: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) (Image: PA)

Conte had been in the frame for a return as Italy national manager but Roberto Mancini now looks favourite while Paris Saint-Germain was another possible but they are set to appoint Thomas Tuchel.

With no obvious exit route, Conte is in no rush to leave his post at Chelsea.