Conte could be confirmed by Chelsea before the start of Euro 2016 to avoid speculation during the tournament – similar to the move made by Louis van Gaal and Manchester United before the 2014 World Cup.
The Italy coach, whose contract expires after this summer’s European Championship, is understood to have agreed a deal in principle to take over on a full-time basis at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s seemingly eternal search for a permanent manager might conclude successfully next month in Rome, if rumors concerning Antonio Conte are correct.
Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo was in attendance at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday as the Serie A champions took on Bayern Munich ahead of talks with Conte’s representatives on Thursday.
Conte has emerged as the front-runner for the vacant job in west London in recent weeks after rivals Diego Simeone and Massimiliano Allegri could not be tempted to join the 2012 Champions League winners.
‘The conditions for Allegri’s contract renewal are all there, ‘ Marotta said. Allegri has done very well.
“He’s a good coach, he did brilliantly for Juventus and he did brilliantly for Italy”, he said. He can still get great pleasure from this team, thus there is no Allegri problem’.
Nainggolan, the Belgian midfielder, would provide Chelsea with another option for one of the deep-lying positions, although his arrival would be bad news for either Nemanja Matic or the rejuvenated Mikel.
The 27-year-old is under contract with Roma until 2020, but it has been suggested the Italian side would cash in on the player if their £23million valuation was met.
Both Everton and Norwich City are believed to be interested in the Bosnian’s signature and could make respective moves for his signature.