Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri eyed as Antonio Conte replacement, could offer £10m salary

Conte, who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title last term, has faced serious questions this term.

His side are already playing catch-up in the title race, as they are nine points behind table-toppers Manchester City after nine games.

The 48-year-old recently hinted he could leave Stamford Bridge, ane he admitted he is missing life back home in Italy.

Added to that, he was left frustrated in the summer as he missed out on a number of key transfer targets, including Romelu Lukaku, who joined Manchester United for £75million from Everton.

And now according to Italian news outlet Football Italia, Chelsea have set their sights on Sarri.

The report suggests Blues officials are working towards a potential approach for the Napoli coach.

Sarri has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, as his side are second in Serie A, with eight wins from nine games. 

It is also suggested that Sarri has a release clause in his contract worth £6.7m, while the west London outfit would be prepared to offer him an annual salary of £10.7m.

Chelsea meanwhile, turn their attentions to the Carabao Cup tonight (7.45pm) where they face Everton.

The Toffees sacked Ronald Koeman after their poor start to the season and David Unsworth is currently in charge on an interim basis.

After Everton, Conte's men face Bournemouth away in the league on Saturday (5.30pm).