Hazard future key to Chelsea’s search for new manager

Chelsea are still deliberating between Maurizio Sarri and Luis Enrique as they weigh up how best to replace manager Antonio Conte and try to convince Eden Hazard to stay at the club.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that fears over Hazard’s future are contributing to Chelsea’s decision about who they target to succeed Conte. Sacking the Italian could cost Chelsea up to £9million as he is refusing to quit with one year remaining on his contract.

But that may be a small price to pay for owner Roman Abramovich if it means convincing Hazard to sign a new £300,000-a-week contract at Stamford Bridge.

The relationship between Hazard and Conte became strained some time ago, prompting concerns that the player will not extend his deal past 2020 unless a change is made.

Chelsea are aware that Hazard would be interested in a move to Real Madrid, but the Spaniards are yet to make a move for the Belgian as they explore a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar.

Despite the fact Chelsea look set to miss out on Champions League qualification, there remains a hope at the club that Hazard could sign a new contract if Real focus their attention elsewhere.

Abramovich is aware that a move for a more attack-minded coach, such as Sarri or Enrique, would boost his bid to convince Hazard his long-term future remains at Stamford Bridge. Having initially targeted former Barcelona manager Enrique, Chelsea turned their attention to Sarri, who has guided Napoli to second place in Serie A.

Sources close to the process insist both men are still in the frame, with the board yet to make a final decision on either man or find a compromise with Conte over his pay-off. Enrique, who is between clubs, wants large wages and a sizeable transfer budget, while Sarri would cost £7million in compensation to Napoli and there are concerns over his temperament.