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The Italy head coach is set to complete a move to the Premier League champions after holding positive meetings with the Stamford Bridge club

Antonio Conte is close to agreeing a three-year deal to become Chelsea's next manager after holding positive talks with the Premier League champions on Thursday, Goal understands.

Negotiations between the two parties progressed smoothly and a further meeting has been scheduled to finalise the details of a three-year contract which will see the Italy national team coach earn £6.5 million annually before tax. 

The former Juventus head coach is credited with returning the Bianconeri to the top of Italian football, winning three consecutive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2014, and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made the 46-year-old his main priority in the search to replace interim boss Guus Hiddink.

And after meeting in London the deal is close to completion, with Conte already learning English in a bid to ensure a smooth adaptation process. 

Conte is set to take over at Stamford Bridge following Euro 2016, with the Italy head coach continuing in his current role until the tournament concludes.