Sarri snubs Zenit to hang on for Chelsea

MAURIZIO SARRI has rejected a £5.2million a year contract to manage Zenit St Petersburg as he holds out for an offer from Chelsea.

Sarri, 59, was replaced as Napoli manager last night by former Stamford Bridge chief Carlo Ancelotti after he agreed a three-year deal with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

But to complicate the situation, Sarri, below, still remains contracted to Napoli.

De Laurentiis said: “I thank Maurizio Sarri for his precious dedication to Napoli, that allowed us to give the city and Azzurri fans over the world prestige and emotions, creating a style of football admired everywhere and by everyone. Bravo Maurizio.”

Napoli, though, are ready to ask for Brazil defender David Luiz in exchange if Sarri moves to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has gone on holiday but his future is in the balance because of a fractious relationship with the club. However, Chelsea would have to fork out £9m to pay up the final year of Conte’s contract. It would cost another £7m to release Sarri from his current Napoli deal but the Italian club could be prepared to waive that if Chelsea let them have Luiz. Sarri is highly regarded as a hard-line coach but is also viewed as being similar to Conte with his strong will and tough approach with his players. But former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic are also in the frame for the Blues job. The volatile Conte is under pressure despite winning the FA Cup and Premier League in two seasons with Chelsea – and has insisted that he will not change his ways. Luiz fell out of favour under Conte and also suffered recurring injury problems this season. He has one year remaining on his contract and, at 31, is yet to hold talks over an extension.