Chelsea are reportedly considering replacing Antonio Conte with Luis Enrique amid growing concern the Blues boss will quit in the summer.
The Italian has endured a frustrating second season in charge at Stamford Bridge which has seen him upset at the transfer policy.
Conte, 48, who masterminded Chelsea’s Premier League title-winning campaign last season, is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer following a number of reported disagreements with the club over their transfer policy.
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The Star reports former Barcelona boss Enrique and ex-Chelsea star Juliano Belletti are in the frame to take over in the summer.
Conte’s future at the club is increasingly in doubt, with the Italian signing a new contract in the summer but, crucially, not extending it beyond next year.
The Italian insisted last week that the only reason he would leave Chelsea at the end of the season is if he is sacked.
Enrique has emerged as the best replacement given the fact he is currently not in another job.
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The 47-year-old won two La Liga titles and the Champions League in his three seasons in charge at the Nou Camp before quitting last year.
Enrique is believed to be looking for a fresh challenge in the game after taking a year off, and would be a comfortable fit at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea remain supportive of Conte, who still has a further year left to run on his existing contract.
But the signs are that he will decide to leave his role at the end of the season and return to Italy.