Sunday Express claim Barca want Conte

The Sunday Express claim Barcelona want Antonio Conte to take over at the Nou Camp and that former Russia boss Leonid Slutsky is in “pole position” to replace him if the Italian leaves Chelsea.

The newspaper claim Blues boss Conte, who has also been linked with Inter Milan, is Barca’s first choice to take over from Luis Enrique.

Enrique announced in February that he would be stepping down at the end of the season – and there has since been much speculation about who will take over from him this summer.

The Sunday Express claim the Barcelona hierarchy have been impressed with the job Conte has done this season and are looking to lure him to Spain.

It is also claimed that Slutsky, who previously managed CSKA Moscow and is a friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, is likely to be installed if Conte goes.

Slutsky, 45, has been living in London since January and is reported to be learning English.

He has also been seen at Chelsea matches and the club’s Cobham training ground, sparking speculation that he has been lined up to succeed Conte.

Conte has recently declined to comment on speculation about his future but has previously insisted that he intends to stay at Stamford Bridge.