Antonio Conte is reportedly set to become the next permanent manager of Chelsea, with the Italian hoping to receive a deal within the next 10 days.
After a disastrous start to 2015/16, Jose Mourinho was dismissed by the Blues in December, having lost 56% of his league matches this term.
Guus Hiddink has since taken charge on an interim basis, admirably calming the situation at the club and helping the team find a run of good form.
Chelsea are now unbeaten in 10 league matches, nine of which the Dutchman has been in the dugout for, whilst they have also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
However, Hiddink has confirmed he will be retiring from management this summer, and thus the west London club have pushed on with their search for a new boss.
According to the Guardian, that process is on the verge of completion, as Antonio Conte is ready to take on the job.
The report suggests Conte has faith a deal can be finalised in March, with his contract supposedly carrying a £6.3m salary.
The 46-year-old has already held “several discussions” with Chelsea, the Guardian claims, with the dialogue proving to be “very positive”.
Conte is currently in charge of Italy’s national team, though has not yet managed them at a major tournament.
Following the Azzurri’s group stage exit from the 2014 World Cup, Conte was drafted in on a two-year deal, which runs until the culmination of Euro 2016.
His last job in club management was with Juventus – a club he has won five league titles with as a player and three as a coach.
In his final season in Turin, 2013/14, Conte’s side won an incredible 87% of their Serie A matches en route to the title.
The Old Lady also netted a division-high 80 goals that term, and boasted an unmatched 49% shot accuracy.
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