According to reports in The Times, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has promised to sign a new contract and extend his stay with the club for another two years when he returns for pre-season training next month, with the Daily Mail saying the deal could be worth £9.5m-a-year.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the future of the Blues boss had been thrown into doubt in recent weeks with rumours suggesting that he was unhappy at the club’s lack of progress in the summer transfer market, while there was further tension when the Italian told striker Diego Costa by text that he wasn’t part of his plans for next season.

That message has weakened Chelsea’s negotiating power if they are to sell the Spaniard this summer, and could have wiped millions off of his price tag.

However, Roman Abramovich is still keen to keep Conte after he led the team to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, and he will have been buoyed by the fact that The Times say he is keen to extend his contract despite the frustrations from his side.

What happens next?

With potential Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Manchester United already getting their summer transfer business underway, Chelsea should step up their efforts over the course of the next 10 days before we head into July.

The Times say City goalkeeper Willy Caballero has agreed to move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer and the deal should be announced on July 1, while they are also hoping to seal a deal for Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Conte has told the board that he needs new players to cope with the rigours of returning to the Champions League and competing in Europe’s elite club competition as well as trying to retain their Premier League title.

Will there be any other changes?

While Conte wants more control over certain aspects within the club, Chelsea aren’t willing to alter their operational structure, although The Times says they will allow the Italian to appoint a coach to replace Steve Holland.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, there is no doubt that Chelsea will be delighted if they can tie Conte down to a new deal, but they know they must back him in the transfer market if they are to keep him happy.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/conte-costa.mp4