Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri is nearing his                               switch to become Chelsea boss                        
                                                                                                      Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is nearing his move to Chelsea after he left the club. Sarri's deal at the Stadio San Paolo was set to expire in 2020, but Napoli had been attempting to renegotiate the terms since midway through the season.

However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis dropped a huge hint that Sarri had already left the club after posting what appeared to be a farewell message on his official Twitter channel on Wednesday afternoon.

The outspoken owner wrote: 'I thank Maurizio Sarri for his dedication to Napoli which has brought great prestige and emotion to the city by creating a style of football which is admired everywhere and by everyone. Well done Maurizio.'

Napoli finished four points behind Juventus in the Serie A title race after faltering late on to hand the Bianconeri their seventh successive league success.Earlier reports had suggested Zenit offered Sarri £3.5m a season to come to Russia following the departure of Roberto Mancini. But it is understood Sarri has his heart set on a move to Chelsea and has held off making an agreement with the Russian club.

It is currently unclear whether or not his £7million release clause was activated before his exit.

The outgoing Antonio Conte could take a break from the game should Chelsea wield the axe. Despite winning the FA Cup last Saturday against Manchester United, Conte is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Should he do so, Chelsea risk paying £9m in compensation for the final year of his contract – however that will not come to fruition should he take another managerial job.