Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has insisted that he does not fear losing his job despite admitting that history suggests it is only a matter of time before he leaves the club.

Conte annoyed the Chelsea board this week by claiming that he has virtually no input into transfers and giving the impression that he is in effect working with one hand tied behind his back.

The Italian has barely been able to conceal his frustration during a transfer window in which Chelsea have so far only signed Ross Barkley, although left-back Emerson Palmieri is expected to move to Stamford Bridge.

Edin Dzeko could join Palmieri in a double deal from Roma, although Chelsea are prepared to focus on other striker targets if an agreement to include the Bosnian in the Palmieri transfer is not finalised by the end of the weekend.

Even if Chelsea land their remaining targets before the transfer window shuts next Wednesday night, there appears little prospect of Conte staying past the end of the season.

Asked to address the almost daily stories of fighting with the Chelsea board or his expected departure from Stamford Bridge, Conte said: “I can tell you that I continue to work very hard for this club, for the players, for our fans. I can tell you this.