Chelsea To Sign ex-Barcelona coach

- The ex-Barcelona coach has been linked to replace Conte 

- Lauren Blanc and Maurizio Sarri are also in line for the job Spanish coach Luis Enrique is close to being named Chelsea's new manager, 

The Sun, quoting Sport. The 48-year-old boss had emerged as the early favourite to take over when it was first suggested Antonio Conte would be leaving Stamford Bridge earlier in the season. Negotiations went cold because of the former Barcelona manager's high wage demands and ex-PSG coach Laurent Blanc and Maurizio Sarri emerged as the new frontrunners.

But Spanish news outlet based in Catalonia, Sport, claim a deal for Enrique is now back on track and he could be announced as new manager in the coming days. Conte is still Chelsea manager as things stand, but his future at the London club is almost over after a difficult season despite winning the FA Cup. After the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti by, Sarri appeared set to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, only for the Blues to get cold feet due to various off the field misdemeanors. Ex-France boss Blanc has now become the favourite for the role but Sport insist Enrique is close to putting pen in paper for the Blues. Sport claims he fits the bill perfectly as a young coach, who can get the best out of his squad, with an exciting, attacking style of football. Enrique is also known to be a fitness fanatic and will make sure his players are in perfect shape throughout the season. Chelsea will be hoping Enrique can lead them back to the Champions League after a season in the Europa League.

The Spanish coach left Paris saint Germain at the end of the season winning the French Ligue 1 and two domestic cups but failed to progress through to the Champions League last 16.