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Chelsea news: Antonio Conte left because of Man Utd, Barcelona and Real Madrid fears
CHELSEA have reportedly parted ways with Antonio Conte - and Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid factored into Roman Abramovich’s thinking.
Antonio Conte reflects on Chelsea achievements
Chelsea have supposedly axed Conte and are expected to bring in former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri as his successor.
The Blues allowed the Italian to return to their Cobham training base to oversee pre-season preparations despite uncertainty over his future.
However, various reports claim Chelsea and Conte have now parted ways.
And the Daily Mail claim fears over Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid prompted their decision.
Eden Hazard remains Chelsea’s talisman despite the Blues having an array of talented players at their disposal.
However, the Belgium international has been regularly flirting with a move to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are eyeing Hazard as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus in a £105million deal earlier this week.
The player has even flirted with a move to Real by saying: “Does Real make me dream less without Zidane?
“Zidane is someone special it’s true, but I think Real is everyone’s dream.
“Zidane or no Zidane, the white jersey [of Real] is special but the blue jersey suits me well so it does not bother me if I stay.”
And the Daily Mail say Manchester United and Barcelona’s interest in Willian also influenced their thinking over the manager.
The Chelsea star clashed with Conte towards the end of last season.
And the Blues think that, by shelving the Italian, they have a better chance of keeping Willian out of United or Barca's clutches.
United want him if their efforts to land Gareth Bale fail to pay off.
And Barcelona have made two bids for the player in the wake of their failed pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.