Next Chelsea manager: Maurizio Sarri deal appears done as bookies suspend betting

The former Napoli chief has been the clear front-runner for the role since the turn of the year after an incredible season in Serie A.

Sarri guided the Italian outfit to a second-place finish in the league, with the team amassing 91 points during their record-breaking campaign.

The 59-year-old has been expected to be appointed at Chelsea for some time now.

And the bookmakers believe Sarri's move is on the verge of completion, with many companies suspending all betting on the next Blues manager market.

Coral were offering odds as short as 1/10 before a flurry of further bets on the Italian sparked the suspension.

“It looks like Chelsea are on the verge of announcing Sarri as their new manager therefore we have pulled the plug on this market," said Coral’s John Hill.

"The former Napoli man has been well-backed to get the job as it appears this has been the worst kept secret in football for a long time."

Antonio Conte still remains in a job at Stamford Bridge.

However, the former Juventus boss endured a turbulent second season in England.

Despite winning the FA Cup, Chelsea missed out on a place in the Champions League.

And Conte cut a disgruntled figure on the sideline for the majority of the campaign.