Conte distances himself from speculation linking him with return to Italy

As Chelsea narrows in on the Premier League title, Antonio Conte is assuring supporters he'll be back at Stamford Bridge next season.

Conte's agent and friend, Federico Pastorello, suggested the Italian manager's time at Chelsea could be short-lived, saying: "Will Conte stay Chelsea? If he wins a title and begins the cycle, the objective is one of continuity. But if offers from clubs arrive, new opportunities may arise, especially at historical clubs."

On Thursday, Conte responded to Pastorello's words, insisting he will remain at Chelsea and "try to build something important."

"I don't like it when others speak for me," Conte said. "Pastorello is a friend, I know him well, but I don't like when others speak for me. If someone wants to know something about me, then they must ask me. We're fighting for the title and we want to achieve this goal, then we'll try to build something important together.

Asked if he'll be at Chelsea next season, Conte was clear: "Yes, for the next season."

Conte is constantly surrounded by rumours of a return to Italy, and, according to the Guardian's Dominic Fifield, Internazionale is understood to be keen to test the tactician's resolve and offer him almost complete control of the transfer policy at San Siro.

Recruitment will apparently be a talking point for Conte this summer, as he is seeking more influence on Chelsea's transfer policy in anticipation of the Blues' return to the Champions League. Among the players allegedly being targeted by the club are Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, who is demanding around £300,000 per week, as well as AS Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko, Southampton's Virgil van Dijk, Bayern Munich's David Alaba, and Juventus' Alex Sandro.