Conte set to be replaced by Sarri within days

Conte is presently on holiday but is to be told he is no longer needed despite winning the FA Cup last season -- to add to the league title he won in his first season in charge -- and issuing a defiant message afterwards of how he wouldn't change his style of management.

Sarri, a former banker, has been linked with the post even before the 59-year-old stepped down from the Napoli hotseat after guiding them to runners-up spot behind Juventus for the second time in three campaigns.

Both men will cost Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Conte will be due £9million ($11.8million) if he doesn't take another job in the next year and Napoli will be due a payment for Sarri as he is still under contract with them, even though Carlo Ancelotti -- who knows how swiftly Abramovich forgets past glories as he was sacked a season after guiding them to the domestic double -- has replaced him.

Despite no official confirmation from the club 'The London Evening Standard' and 'The Sun' report Sarri is already building up his backroom staff.

Giovanni Martusciello -- who he worked with at Empoli -- will be lured away from Inter Milan whilst former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola, whose managerial career has not been a success, will also be part of the coaching staff.

Sarri has also allegedly already told the Chelsea board in their talks that top of his list to buy are Inter Milan's Uruguayan midfielder Matias Vecino and Spanish winger Jose Callejon from Napoli.