Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Search continues as Leicester and Chelsea prepare to lock down deals
ITALY'S search for a new head coach will continue with Claudio Ranieri struck off the list of candidates, according to reports.
Ranieri and Conte (right) are both expected to pen contracts soon
Leicester manager Ranieri has been the success story of the season, lifting a relegation-threatened side to the brink of the title, and will reportedly be offered a new contract.
The Foxes lead the Premier League by five points with just eight games remaining.
So good has their rise been under Ranieri, who only took over from Nigel Pearson in the summer, that he has been touted to become the next Italy boss.
Ranieri, 64, has never managed the Italy national side, despite being appointed head coach at nine Italian clubs over his 30-year career.
The former Chelsea boss looks set to at least secure Leicester a place in the Champions League next season, having started this campaign as one of the favourites to go down.
Ranieri: "Five points is nothing"
As for Conte, Express Sport understands the 46-year-old will agree pre-contract terms with Chelsea by the end of the month.
FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio confirmed yesterday that he would be leaving Italy just two years into his stint.
He will replace Guus Hiddink after Euro 2016 and could be handed a hefty transfer kitty to revitalise the Blues' fortunes.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?