Chelsea are hoping that Premier League rivals, Manchester United, would appoint Antonio Conte should they sack Jose Mourinho as manager, so they could save themselves a fortune.
Mourinho’s position at Old Trafford has been under threat since the start of the season, but the pressure has eased slightly following the 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.
The United boss is due to meet United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward during the international break, as the Portuguese is reportedly concerned that the club are already planning to sack him.
Zinedine Zidane has been heavily linked with the United job, but Conte is also available after leaving Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are yet to agree on a compensation package with the Italian after sacking him before the start of the campaign.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Conte is due over £9million as part of his severance package, but Chelsea are reluctant to meet the full pay-out.
But Conte, who had a contract with Chelsea until the end of this season, would give up a large part of that payment if he decides to take charge of another club in the Premier League.
He could forgo as much as £5m if he took over at United before the end of the year.
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