Carlo Ancelotti waiting in the wings to replace Antonio Conte

Chelsea chiefs have reportedly already put plans in place to potentially bring Carlo Ancelotti back to Stamford Bridge as a replacement for Antonio Conte.

The Italian coach has seen his future in West London called into question since lifting the Premier League title in his first campaign in English football last time out.

Conte has made no secret that he wants to return to his homeland in the short term and, according to The Sun, Chelsea officials do not expect him to see out the remaining 20 months of his existing deal.

Former Blues boss Ancelotti is said to be the champions’ first choice to take over when Conte does eventually bow out, with the 58-year-old keen to return to the Premier League and open to the idea of a Chelsea reunion.

The same report claims that Ancelotti, given the shove by Bayern Munich last month after just one full season in charge, bears no ill will towards owner Roman Abramovich despite the acrimonious nature of his sacking in 2011.