Former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has signed a deal that will see him replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea’s manager, according to reports from Italy.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich had a seven-hour meeting with Sarri yesterday who left Napoli earlier this week only days after guiding them to a second placed finish in Serie A.

Following the meeting, Sarri is understood to have agreed a two-year-deal at Stamford Bridge, which will be announced in the coming days once Roman Abramovich settles the £7 million release clause in his Napoli contract – which is still active despite him being sacked by the Italian giants.

News of Antonio Conte’s dismissal is expected this afternoon.

Conte won the Premier League in then record fashion during his first season in English football, and captured the hearts of the Chelsea fans with his energetic performances from the touchline.

However, his second season – despite guiding the Blues to the FA Cup – hasn’t been as smooth sailing.

Fall-outs with Diego Costa – which saw the striker leave The Bridge for Atletico Madrid last summer – as well as Roman Abramovich, in which Conte accused the Russian of not providing him with enough money in the transfer market, has left a sour taste in the mouths of the Chelsea fans.

The Italian has one-year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but has refused to resign with the club liable to shell out £9m in compensation if they fire him.