Maurizio Sarri is edging closer to becoming the new Juventus boss, with reports in Italy claiming the deal could be announced in the next 48 hours.
Juventus identified the Chelsea head coach as their main target to replace Massimiliano Allegri and have prepared a contract worth nearly £11million per year for Sarri before tax.
Sarri is keen to leave London after only one season, but the sticking point remains compensation — Chelsea would like Juventus to pay up the final year of his contract, worth around £5.35m, to secure his immediate release, while the Italian champions are trying to negotiate his departure without the need for compensation.
Sarri, 60, is thought to be keen to bring Paolo Bertelli, a fitness coach at Chelsea, to Turin for a second spell.
Bertelli also worked at Juventus when Antonio Conte was in charge from 2011 to 2014.
Striker Gonzalo Higuain, a favourite of Sarri, would likely go back to Juventus after his unsuccessful loan spell at Stamford Bridge.
There have also been suggestions that Andrea Barzagli, the former Juventus defender who announced his retirement in April, could be added to Sarri’s staff.
