Chelsea plan to appoint former manager Carlo Ancelotti as Antonio Conte’s successor

Chelsea have reportedly identified Carlo Ancelotti as their top target to replace current manager Antonio Conte, according to The Sun.

The defending Premier League champions, who visit AFC Bournemouth on Saturday evening, are already planning for Conte’s exit as they do not expect the Italian to see out the remaining 20 months on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

Former Blues boss Ancelotti, who was sacked by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich earlier this season, is understood to be the club’s first-choice to replace his fellow countryman.

Ancelotti, 58, managed Chelsea between 2009 and 2011, lifting a Premier League title, the FA Cup and an FA Community Shield.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

However, he was sacked by Blues owner Roman Abramovich after finishing second in the league following his side’s League and Cup double triumph the campaign before.

Conte’s Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings, already nine points adrift of unbeaten leaders Manchester City, despite after defeating Watford 4-2 last weekend.

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