Telegraph say Enrique would want huge wages to take over at Chelsea

There continues to be speculation over the future of Antonio Conte and who might replace him as Chelsea boss if he leaves.

The Daily Telegraph, which has strongly touted Luis Enrique for the job, now say the former Barcelona boss’ wage demands could be a stumbling block to him taking over at Stamford Bridge.

Enrique is said to have been earning in the region of £16.5m per year when he left Barca, while Conte reportedly earns £9.5m a year.

The Telegraph say Enrique’demands could offer hope to Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri and former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, who are apparently interested in the job.

It comes after Alessandro Costacurta fuelled speculation over Conte’s future describing him as the best man to take over as Italy boss and declaring that talks between the pair will “definitely” take place.

Former Italy defender Costacurta is the Italian Football Federation’s deputy commissioner and is leading the search for a new coach.

Conte left the job of Italy boss to take over at Chelsea in 2016 and has been heavily linked with a return amid reports he could leave the Bridge at the end of the season or sooner.

Giampiero Ventura succeeded Conte but was sacked in November after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.

“I haven’t chosen yet but I think Conte is the one who could do the best,” Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Costacurta as saying.

“I’ll definitely talk with him in a couple of months.”