Maurizio Sarri is reportedly close to signing a three-year deal with Chelsea after an agreement was reached with Napoli over a compensation package.
Despite being replaced by Carlo Ancelotti at the Stadio San Paolo last month, Sarri is still contracted to the Serie A side for a further two years.
The 59-year-old remains Chelsea's top choice to take over from Antonio Conte and, according to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, the Blues have now paid Napoli £4.4m to cut Sarri out of his deal.
Chelsea may have their new manager in place in a matter of days, it is claimed, with Conte also expected to receive a substantial pay-off of around £10m to end his two-year stint in charge.
Sarri, whose contract is said to be worth £5m a year, will bring Giovanni Martusciello, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola and five members of his Napoli backroom staff with him to West London.
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
