Chelsea closing in on new manager… but it’s not Simeone

Diego Simeone was thought to be the frontrunner for the Chelsea job, but it seems a new name may have leapfrogged the Argentine.

With Simeone focused on his pursuit of a second Champions League final with Atletico Madrid, the Blues have reportedly turned their attentions to Italy boss Antonio Conte. According to the Daily Mirror, the former Juventus manager may be prepared to return to club football when his contract with the Azzurri runs out after Euro 2016. Conte, whose representatives are believed to be in London this week in an attempt to iron out a deal with the reigning Premier League champions, has an enviable record in Serie A. The former Italian international midfielder won three Scudetti as manager of the Bianconeri in as many seasons, clinching the title in 2012, 2013 and 2014. His time in charge of the national team has been impressive so far, with an unbeaten qualification campaign earning the Azzurri a spot at Euro 2016 where they will take on Sweden, Belgium and Ireland in the group stage. It's no surprise Chelsea are interested in someone with such a strong record as a manager, and it seems they are keen to get a deal finalised before this summer's tournament kicks off in France.