Antonio Conte to Chelsea: Blues 'set to announce' Italy manager on three-year deal - reports

It has been reported that Conte is hopeful of confirming the switch before he links up with his Italy squad ahead of their clash with Spain next month

(2013 AFP)

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the announcement of Antonio Conte as their new manager after the Italian held face-to-face talks with Roman Abramovich.

The Blues have been without a permanent boss since sacking Jose Mourinho in December and are currently managed by interim Guus Hiddink.

According to the Daily Express, Conte was invited to meet with Abramovich in Monte Carlo. The 46-year-old’s representatives have allegedly since been in London to discuss terms on a three-year contract worth £18m.

It has been reported that Conte is hopeful of confirming the switch before he links up with his Italy squad ahead of their clash with Spain next month.

Meanwhile former England manager Fabio Capello has suggested the Italian is ‘preparing’ for life at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to FOX Sports, he appeared to reveal that the former Juventus boss is readying himself for the rigours of the Premier League.

“Conte is preparing for Chelsea,” said Capello. “He has the time to arrive and train Chelsea in the best way, as this is an important club.

“I think the most important thing will be the team he is able to put on the field. He needs defenders and there aren’t that many around.

“His communication with the players will also be fundamental. I myself had a difficult experience in Russia where I always had to speak through a translator.”

Hiddink, meanwhile, believes the club would be well advised to appoint a new manager quickly ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. When asked on his thoughts, he said: “I am in favour. You've heard more than I because that's your job, you have to search around where the rumours are. That's not my job. I'm just there to prepare for the next game.

“I'm not involved in this so that's all you can get from me on this issue. Of course this club is searching now and experienced managers they like and there are a lot. It's up to them, to make up their mind and make the decisions.”