Chelsea are close to appointing Maurizio Sarri as their new head coach and signing midfielder Jorginho, according to Napoli‘s president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The Blues have reportedly lined up Sarri to replace current boss Antonio Conte following their poor Premier League title defence and failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Sarri remains under contract with the Serie A club, despite their decision to replace him with Carlo Ancelotti.

De Laurentiis, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday to unveil new coach Ancelotti, said: “The Sarri affair is nearly at its conclusion, it all depends on him. My lawyers have submitted papers to his lawyers.”

Referring to Italy international Jorginho, he added: “My agreement with (Roman) Abramovich is irrespective of whether or not Sarri ends up taking charge of the Blues.”