Speculation over Conte’s future continues

The Daily Telegraph say Antonio Conte is having to wait longer for his future to be decided because of Real Madrid’s search for a new manager.

According to the newspaper, Chelsea, widely tipped to replace Conte this summer, are waiting to see if he lands a job at another top club.

That would mean they could avoid paying up the final year of Conte’s contract – reported to be worth £9m – were they to sack him.

The Telegraph say that, with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and Juventus’ Max Allegri expected to stay at their respective clubs, Conte’s chances of getting the Real job might have been boosted.

The Telegraph also say David Luiz has been championing the appointment of Laurent Blanc because the Brazilian fears he will be left out in the cold at Chelsea if Conte were to stay.

Luiz, who played under Blanc at Paris St-Germain, has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge under Conte.

Reports have claimed that Blanc is close to taking over at Blues boss.

Ex-Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri was similarly touted as the favourite, as was former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.