Antonio Conte last night edged closer to taking the Chelsea job after a positive first round of talks.

The Italian coach is the favourite to replace interim manager Guus Hiddink when the Dutchman steps down from his role as boss in May.

Blues director Marina Granovskaia met with Conte and his representatives on Thursday in London and the meeting is thought to have progressed well.

Chelsea are preparing a three-year contract for the former Juventus manager worth around £6million a year for the duration of the deal.

Conte led Juventus to three consecutive Italian titles before taking the Italy job four years ago.

However, his stint in charge of the Azzurri is due to come to an end after this summer’s European Championships in France and he is keen to return to club management.

Massimiliano Allegri, Manuel Pellegrini and Diego Simeone had all been linked with the Stamford Bridge hotseat but it appears Conte has won the race.

Reports suggest a formal contract offer will be made by the Blues in the next 10 days and it is hoped an agreement can be struck before Italy’s play Spain on March 24.

Chelsea are keen to appoint a new manager well in advance of the re-opening of the transfer window this summer as they fear missing out on top transfer targets.

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