Conte safe in his job until the summer
Dortmund chief Thomas Tuchel about replacing Conte, 48.
Enrique, who is on a sabbatical, has always been the club’s preferred choice.
But both he and Tuchel did not want to join the Blues at such a difficult time so late in the season, when they would not be able to make any additions to the squad.
It has ensured Conte remains in charge, despite his constant sniping at his bosses and inconsistent results, which have seen Chelsea win just twice on the road in more than three months.
Silva was sacked by Watford in January after being accused of losing focus following Everton’s failed attempt to land him.
But there were serious concerns about the 40-year-old being able to come in and turn things around, with Chelsea having crucial games coming up.
They face leaders Manchester City on Sunday, then Crystal Palace at home before a trip to Barcelona in the Champions League, having drawn the home leg 1-1.
Dutchman Guus Hiddink, 71, who has twice been caretaker boss, was discounted due to his age and a feeling that he has lost his edge, having been out of the game for more than 20 months.
And it appears that Abramovich has now accepted that Conte, who won the league title in his first year, is the best option to see out the season.
That also seems to suit the ex-Juventus and Italy manager, who knows he may be in the running for top jobs at Paris St-German and Real Madrid in the summer.