Guus Hiddink denies that his players have been told Antonio Conte is set to take charge at Chelsea in summer.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich had allegedly told Hiddink’s players that a deal was done to bring the Italy manager to west London at the end of the season.

But the Dutch interim manager remains unconvinced, and believes that no such talks occurred.

He said: “Not to my knowledge, I don’t know but I don’t think so.”

Conte has been heavily linked with a move to the defending Premier League champions after a shocking decline this season resulted in Jose Mourinho’s removal from the club.

Hiddink has helped to stop the decline, and turned Chelsea’s fortunes around with an unbeaten streak - including three consecutive league victories.

But Conte, believed to be Abramovich’s number one choice, seems destined for the Stamford Bridge helm .

A three-year contract has been prepared by the Blues and Conte will be available to move in the summer after leading his country into the European Championships.

Roman Abramovich’s trusted aide, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, has been leading the negotiations with Conte’s camp and a deal is set to be formalised.

The 46-year-old manager, according to the Times, has handed over a shortlist of players he would like to bring to Stamford Bridge if he is given the job as Hiddink’s successor.

That list is headed by two players Conte knows well from the Italian market as he looks to reinforce the midfield with the acquisition of Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan.

And the Blues confirmed that they have held discussions with Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal this week about the International Champions Trophy.

But Chelsea’s head of media and communications, Steve Atkin, refuted suggestions that the clubs spoke about a European ‘super league’.

He said: “The meeting did happen, but it was predominantly about the ICC, as is natural.

“A European super league or break-away league was not discussed.”

READ MORE: Recap all of Guus Hiddink's Friday press conference with our blog

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