Chelsea want to delay the appointment of Antonio Conte until after the second leg of their Champions League tie against Paris St Germain.
Talks are at an advanced stage after a positive meeting between the Italy coach’s representatives and Chelsea yesterday.
Conte’s agreement with Italy runs out after Euro 2016 and he is keen to get back into club management.
As Standard Sport revealed yesterday, a three-year contract worth £4.75m-a-year net has been offered. Things have progressed so well, it has been mooted a deal could be finalised within 10 days.
However, Chelsea do not want to distract the squad ahead of their last-16 clash against PSG at Stamford Bridge on March 9.
Chelsea trail 2-1 from the first leg and winning the competition is their only real hope of qualifying for it next season as they are 14 points off a top-four place in the Premier League.
The players have thrived under interim manager Guus Hiddink since he replaced Jose Mourinho in December and midfielder John Obi Mikel admitted this week 99 per cent of the squad want the Dutchman to stay.
But Conte is confident he will get the job and also wants an announcement soon so he can focus on Euro 2016.
