Chelsea FC to replace Jose Mourinho with the Italian National team boss Conte?

Italy boss Antonio Conte has emerged as a leading candidate to replace under-fire Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho

Conte will be targeted by Blues owner Roman Abramovich if the Russian billionaire decides to axe Mourinho.

Mourinho is on thin ice following a woeful season that has seen the defending Premier League champions suffer 10 defeats in all competitions.

Abramovich had a face like thunder as he watched the Blues crash to a humiliating home loss against Bournemouth at the weekend.

Mourinho still has the backing of his Stamford Bridge boss, but Abramovich could finally run out of patience should the Blues lose to Porto tomorrow and fail to reach the Champions League knockout phase.

Conte led Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014.

He is currently in charge of the Italian side and is keen to lead them to next summer's Euros in France before considering his future, when he is thought to be open to a move to England.

The 46-year-old is highly regarded by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy and could be offered a huge deal to take the job ahead of schedule.