Chelsea have agreed to release Maurizio Sarri to Juventus after finally agreeing a compensation package that could be worth over £5million.

And that will now free the Blues to step up talks over a potential return to Stamford Bridge for club legend Frank Lampard.

Juventus had hoped to take Sarri back to Italy without having to pay any compensation, believing Chelsea were happy to let their head coach go.

But, despite almost sacking him twice last season, Chelsea were determined that Juventus should pay up Sarri’s contract.

Sarri had one year, worth around £5m, on his deal, with the option of a further 12 months. It is understood that Juventus will have to pay more than £5m if certain bonuses are met while the 60-year-old is in charge. The final figure could be as high as £8m.

Chelsea have agreed to let Sarri go after just a year in charge after he informed them that he wanted to return to Italy after winning the Europa League.