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Roman Abramovich confirms Antonio Conte as boss after telling Chelsea players and staff
ROMAN ABRAMOVICH appears to have appointed Antonio Conte as manager of Chelsea after reportedly telling staff and players the deal is done.
Roman Abramovich has told Chelsea players and staff that Antonio Conte is the new manager
The 46-year-old is due to leave his current role as Italy head coach when his contract expires after Euro 2016 and it is understood he wants a return to club management.
Express Sport understands the Italian has been locked in talks with Chelsea over signing a three-year contract worth £18million and is set to meet Abramovich on one of his yachts in Monte Carlo to shake hands on the deal.
But according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, an agreement has been struck after the Russian owner met with Blues players and staff to confirm that Conte will replace Guus Hiddink at the end of the season.
The report adds that the Chelsea players learned about Conte’s arrival on February 26, before facing Southampton a day later, and have won two on the bounce as Hiddink continues to maintain his unbeaten Premier League record.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport's front page confirming Antonio Conte's Chelsea move
Guus Hiddink - Spotlight on
Express Sport also understand that Conte has expressed a desire to bring Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini with him to Chelsea.
Hiddink is expected to leave his position as Chelsea boss as planned at the end of the season.
However, the Daily Mail claim Abramovich looks set to offer the 69-year-old an advisory role at the club as a reward for the key part he has played in guiding Chelsea way from the relegation zone.
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