Report: Conte could sign new Chelsea contract in days

Antonio Conte could sign fresh terms at Chelsea "in a matter of days" after rapidly reversing the fortunes of a side that limped to 10th place last term.

The contract wouldn't just represent a reward for his performance though, with Sky Sports News HQ saying it's a measure to ward off clubs apparently interested in his services - Inter Milan and AC Milan have been touted - and to help him settle while his wife and daughter still reside in Italy.

"I hope they come and stay here also because I need them," Conte said to Standard Sport's James Olley last week.

In the same interview, Conte did say he wanted to "stay many years and to build something important with the club," and has ingratiated himself with staff throughout the Stamford Bridge setup, in addition to guiding the Blues to what looks to be a certain title triumph. There are currently 10 points between Chelsea and second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Sky Sports HQ understands that talks over longer terms for the former Juventus handler could reach a conclusion before Monday's FA Cup quarter-final visit from Manchester United.

Italian reports suggested that Inter has already contacted Conte's representatives, putting Stefano Pioli's future with the Nerazzurri in doubt. The Parma native hasn't done a bad job, though, guiding the club from 12th to sixth since Frank de Boer's sacking, and presiding over a run of seven league home wins until Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Roma at the San Siro.

The links with AC Milan appear to be even more tentative. Despite some recent stuttering form, Vincenzo Montella is ushering in an exciting new generation for the Rossoneri and Conte is apparently only the preference of the prospective Chinese owners. That takeover deal is currently up in the air after yet another delay last week.

The Barcelona helm, which will be vacated by Luis Enrique at the end of the season, has also been mentioned, but Conte isn't among the favourites. The current front-runners are Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde, Sevilla's Jorge Sampaoli, Arsenal's under-pressure veteran Arsene Wenger, and current Everton gaffer and Barca icon Ronald Koeman.