'Conte In Chelsea Talks'  (Sky Sports)

Antonio Conte's representatives will hold talks with Chelsea on Friday and discuss the possibility of the Italy coach becoming the club's next manager, according to Sky in Italy.

Conte's representatives will begin negotiations with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, Sky in Italy understands, as the Blues attempt to secure a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho ahead of next season.

Conte's contract with Italy expires after the 2016 European Championship in the summer and he will be free to move to Stamford Bridge with no compensation needed to be paid to the Italian Football Federation.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is the only other contender - alongside Conte - for the managerial position at Chelsea.

Guus Hiddink, who replaced Mourinho on an interim basis in December, has already stated his intention to retire from management at the end of the season, ruling himself out of taking the role permanently.

If Conte does join Chelsea, he will become the 10th manager to work under owner Roman Abramovich since the Russian billionaire acquired the club from Ken Bates in 2004.

Chelsea are refusing to comment.