Conte insists he wants to stay – but does not quash Inter link

Antonio Conte has again insisted that he wants to stay at Chelsea but stopped short of ruling out taking over at Inter Milan.

Reports in Conte’s native Italy continue to link him with Inter, who are looking to install a new head coach following their sacking of Stefano Pioli.

The Blues are on the verge of winning the Premier League title in their first season under Conte – a win at West Brom on Friday would confirm them as champions.

But there continues to be speculation that Inter could lure the former Juventus boss back to Serie A after just a year at Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he expects to still be at Chelsea next season, Conte said: “I have a contract with Chelsea for two more years.

“It is logical when you start work in a new club for the will to be to continue to work and try to improve your work in many years, and for sure this is my will.

“But now the most important thing is to reach our target. To arrive at this moment, with this great opportunity, we worked very hard for the whole season and now it’s important to be ready and try to take this step and then to celebrate together.”

Asked specifically about Inter and whether he would take the opportunity to end speculation that he could take over at the San Siro, Conte said: “I repeat what I said before: I have two years of a contract with Chelsea but I also repeat that for me and my players the most important thing is to be focused.

“The future is not important. We must be focused on the next game and this fantastic target.

“At this moment it is normal to have speculation around players and different coaches. It’s important now not to lose focus. I want to transfer this message.”