Chelsea considers Napoli coach Sarri as Conte replacement

Chelsea is considering Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri to replace Antonio Conte after Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ruled himself out of the Stamford Bridge job.

Simeone was thought to be the Premier League club’s preferred candidate but according to the Times, the Atletico coach has made officials aware he has no intention of leaving Spain to replace Conte, the Daily Mail reported.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Blues owner Roman Abramovich has been impressed by Sarri’s style of football at the Stadio San Paolo.

Napoli currently sits top of Serie A after producing 18 wins, three draws and one defeat this season.

The Italian manager has an affordable release clause in his contract with Napoli, allowing any club to buy him out for €8 million (£7 million) up until May 31.

Sarri’s footballing philosophy has been widely praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who called Napoli one of the best teams in Europe after his City side faced the Italians in this season’s Champions League.

Despite Conte’s protestations that he still has 18 months to run on his contract, many believe this is his final campaign at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea is understood to be assessing its replacement options.

Sarri is on the club’s shortlist as it appeals to the Premier League club that he often refuses to demand new signings.

He instead insists it is his job to work with an improve the players at his disposal.