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John Terry is eyeing a return to Chelsea in a coaching role, as he plots a route to the top job at Stamford Bridge.

The former Chelsea captain, now 37, is set to be out of contract at Championship promotion chasers Aston Villa in July after joining on a 12-month deal after bringing down the curtain on 20-plus years with the Londoners.

Centre-half Terry wants to manage the Blues in the future, and believes his best chance will be by progressing up their ranks as a coach — just as he did as a player.

(Image: AFP/Getty) (Image: Getty)

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The ex-England skipper — still based in Cobham, the Surrey town where the Blues' training ground is — could get an opening at the end of the season in any potential reshuffle, with manager Antonio Conte’s future in major doubt less than a year on from winning the title in his debut season.

Conte’s time at Stamford Bridge appears to be nearly up and he is expected to return to his native Italy this summer, potentially to again take charge of the national team — rhe job he quit to move to Stamford Bridge.

Any change at the top at Chelsea, who host Championship strugglers Hull City in the FA Cup last 16 on Friday, could open the door wider for a Terry return.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Mirror Sport understands the defender feels he will be better placed to fulfil his ultimate ambition of managing Chelsea by returning there at the start of his coaching career, rather than taking a managerial job elsewhere first.

But if second-placed Villa go up this season, boss Steve Bruce is likely to offer Terry a new playing deal — despite him turning 38 in December.

Chelsea legend Terry has been a huge hit at Villa, and has played a big role in their seven-game winning streak as they chase a return to the Premier League.