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Chelsea handed deadline to seal deal for new manager
CHELSEA will need to close negotiations with Antonio Conte by March 24.
Conte's agent has been in London for talks this week
Express Sport understands the Italy boss has been given a tour of the club's Cobham training ground as they attempt to sign him.
Guus Hiddink is currently in an interim manager role at Stamford Bridge but he is expected to step down in the summer just as he did in 2009.
The Dutchman's imminent departure means Roman Abramovich is on the hunt for a long-term replacement for Jose Mourinho.
Conte does not want uncertainty over his own future to overshadow Italy's preparations for this summer's European Championship in France which they have not won since 1968.
The Italians were beaten in the final of Euro 2012 by Spain having knocked England out in the quarter-finals on penalties.