Chelsea transfer news: Italian coach in pole position to take over the Blues, Conte makes a huge statement about his Stamford Bridge future, and more - 7th April 2018

Antonio Conte rejects Chelsea exit claims

According to latest reports, under fire Chelsea manager Antonio Conte dismissed his former Juventus team-mate Gianluca Vialli's claim that he wants to leave the Premier League club.

"It is not true," Conte told a news conference on Friday, two days before Chelsea host West Ham United in the league.

"Gianluca is a friend but I'm not talking with him for one year, maybe. It is not true.

"It's very difficult for me but since this season I'm listening to a lot of speculation about my future... but the only truth is I am committed for this club, I have a contract for this club, I'm working very hard for this club.

"This is the only truth. The other speculation is not true."

With only seven games remaining, Conte's two-year reign at Stamford Bridge looks set to finish at the end of the season, with widespread reports that Roman Abramovich is considering moves for ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique or Juventus chief Max Allegri.

Allegri wants to leave Juventus for Chelsea this summer

Max Allegri is one of the favourites to take over at Chelsea

According to Daily Star, Massimiliano Allegri's move to Stamford Bridge is looking more likely as Carlo Ancelotti is waiting to take over at Juventus.

Allegri is ready to leave Italy and replace under-pressure Conte as the Blues, are now eight points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur in the final Champions League spot are technically out of the contention.

Roman Abramovich will have to give Conte a £9 million payout if the club chooses to fire the manager, who won the Premier League title in his first season.

As far as Allegri is concerned, the four-time Serie A winning coach has revealed that he was already thinking about life after Juventus and wants to leave Italy. "Certainly, I will go abroad. In Italy, I am finished," said the 50-year-old.

Leon Bailey urged to turn down Premier League

Leon Bailey has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season

According to the Express, Leon Bailey's Bayer Leverkusen teammate Sven Bender has urged the 20-year-old to stay at the Bundesliga club amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

"He has got special abilities, he is incredibly fast and great at dribbling," Bailey's Bay Arena teammate Bender told Goal.com.

"He is only 20 years old and therefore still has development potential. He is a great player and will probably leave one day for a high fee, but I wish him to stay with us for a long time."

The Jamaican attacker, who moved to Germany from Belgian side Genk last summer, has been in an impressive form with 11 goals and 5 assists this term.