Chelsea: Conte replacement agreed; Dyche discusses Keane interest; deal for youngster sealed

By Sam Leveridge

Spanish newspaper Sport claim that Roman Abramovich remains unconvinced that Antonio Conte is the right man for the club in the long term after a slow start and has been in touch with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, after he signed a new, shorter deal which is likely to see him leave the club in the summer of 2018.

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Abramovich may face competition from Inter Milan, where Simeone spent two years as a player, but continues to see the Argentinean as the long term solution to the managerial headache which Conte appears not to have resolved. A massive name and proven success, Simeone may jump at the chance but the Russian owner may have to wait to get his man.

After speculation continues to increase that Antonio Conte has prioritised Burnley defender Michael Keane as a defensive addition with a £25 million bid said to be in the pipeline, his current boss Sean Dyche told the press:

“We’re fortunate in that we don’t have to sell, the good side of us being careful is that we’re in a very healthy financial position. Whatever the price, we don’t have to sell.”

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The former Manchester United defender continues to impress in the Premier League and is seen as a long term replacement for John Terry given the bonus of his homegrown status and strong abilities both with his feet and his head.

Young forward Dominic Solanke is set to sign a new deal at the club according to the Times. The news comes after the 19-year-old was reportedly demanding £50,000 a week, but is now prepared to accept half that amount, still representing a massive increase from his current £7,000 a week.

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The highly rated striker was named on the bench against Leicester City last weekend and the club are desperate to keep hold of him with a number of youth coaches tipping him to become the next big thing to come through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, with Antonio Conte showing a desire to give youth a chance.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Serg Hoholok.