Chelsea are carefully watching Antonio Conte’s next move with the Italian’s compensation bill yet to be agreed and uncertainty hanging over the managerial positions at three of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Conte has already been linked to both the Manchester United and Real Madrid jobs, while he is also a potential target for Bayern Munich following the German club’s poor start to the season.

Chelsea sacked Conte three months ago, but are yet to reach an agreement with their former head coach over his severance.

Under the terms of the final year of his contract, the 49-year-old would be due over £9 million but Chelsea have tried to argue that he contributed to his own dismissal and are reluctant to agree to a full pay-out.

The matter could go to court if both sides refuse to back down, but the impasse may also be impacted by whether or not United see Conte as a potential mid-season successor to under-pressure Jose Mourinho.