Chelsea have told Roberto Di Matteo they would like him to remain as manager, with sources at Stamford Bridge increasingly confident the Italian will still be in charge at the start of the new season.
Roman Abramovich is now understood to view Di Matteo as a serious replacement for Andre Villas-Boas after trying, and seemingly failing, to persuade Pep Guardiola to cut short his sabbatical after leaving Barcelona to move to Stamford Bridge.
Nothing has been agreed yet, and last night it remained unclear as to how long a contract is being discussed for the man who guided the club to a stunning Champions League and FA Cup double last month.
Di Matteo may also still have issues.
It will concern him that he could be keeping the managerial seat warm while the club wait for Guardiola. He also has options in Italy.
The Chelsea players would welcome Di Matteo continuing. They told Abramovich as much in Munich after lifting the European Cup. – Daily Mail