Chelsea hope new boss will convince Hazard to stay – Sunday Telegraph

The Sunday Telegraph say fears Eden Hazard could leave Chelsea have been a major factor in the club apparently seeking to replace Antonio Conte.

It comes amid continued speculation over the future of both boss Conte, who has been widely tipped to leave the club this summer, and star man Hazard.

Relations between the two are said to have been frosty for some time and the Sunday Telegraph suggest Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich believes dismissing Conte could help persuade Hazard to sign a new contract.

Real Madrid have repeatedly been linked with the Belgian playmaker, whose current deal at Stamford Bridge runs until 2020.

Abramovich believes the arrival of a more attack-minded coach like Maurizio Sarri or Luis Enrique could convince Hazard that his long-term future is at Chelsea, the Sunday Telegraph reckon.

Napoli’s Sarri and ex-Barcelona boss Enrique are said to be the two front-runners to replace Conte, who has a year remaining on his contract and will reportedly be entitled to a £9m payout if Chelsea sack him this summer.

The Sunday Telegraph believe Enrique wants big wages and a sizeable budget, while appointing Sarri would cost £7m in compensation to Napoli and that there are concerns over his temperament.