Ex-international boss emerges as new favourite to lead Chelsea

Chelsea’s messy managerial search may be coming to an end, as reports suggest that a new favourite has emerged in the running to take charge of the west London side.

Antonio Conte is widely understood to be set to lose his role at Stamford Bridge after failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League, although the Blues encountered problems in their pursuit for a replacement.

With former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri now appearing to be off the cards, following struggles to negotiate an agreement with the Italian side and concerns about his previous behaviour, the Blues are now pushing to appoint a former international boss.

The Sun states former France and Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc is in the prime position to complete a move to the Premier League side, with Chelsea accepting defeat in their quest to lure Zinedine Zidane to the club.

Blanc, who lifted the World Cup with his nation in 1998, has been out of management since leaving PSG two seasons ago.