Welcome to Chelsea: Italy boss Antonio Conte in London to finalise contract details

Antonio Conte was in London on Sunday to finalise terms on his Chelsea contract

 

Antonio Conte was in London on Sunday to finalise terms on his Chelsea contract.

The current Italian national team manager is set to take over at Stamford Bridge following this summer's European Championship finals, after agreeing to an outline deal with the Blues in February.

But the 46-year-old coach needs to iron out the details before putting pen to paper, possibly as soon as Monday, on a contract to become Chelsea’s new manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho just months into their dismal title defence.

Interim Blues boss Guus Hiddink took over when Jose Mourinho was sacked in December , and Roman Abramovich’s trusted inner circle of Michael Emenalo, Marina Granovskaia and Eugene Tenenbaum have helped with the search for a long-term successor .

Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid was the top target, but the Argentine was left unconvinced by Chelsea ’s reluctance to go all-out in his pursuit.

Juventus’ Max Allegri was also considered, but committed his future to the Italian champions, leaving Conte with a clear path to the Stamford Bridge dugout.

He is expected to take up the reins officially once Italy's involvement in the Euros ends.