Serie A Manager Welcomes Chelsea Links

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has welcomed speculation linking him with a move to either Chelsea or Real Madrid in the summer.

The 43-year-old, who took charge of the Turin outfit in 2011, won the Serie A title last season, without losing a match. The Old Lady are leading the table by seven points this term as well, while they are also set to enter the quarter finals of the Champions League, after beating Celtic 3-0 at Parkhead in the first leg of the round of 16.

Chelsea are not expected to renew interim manager Rafa Benitez's stay at Stamford Bridge, while Jose Mourinho is likely to depart Real at the end of a disastrous domestic season. Reports suggest both clubs could make an approach for Conte, and the Italian has now revealed that he could consider an offer from the bigger leagues.

"I've always said that my ambition is to coach abroad one day and I'm pleased to receive marks of esteem from important clubs, it means that we are working well. They make Juventus happy too, because it means that they chose well one-and-a-half years ago. At the moment I am just thinking about Juventus, to re-establish ourselves in Italy and to do well in Europe," Sky Sports quoted Conte as saying.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli believes the Juventus boss would be at the top of the Blues' wanted list for the summer. The former Italy striker, who played for both clubs during his career, feels Conte's tactical skills would make him a clear favourite for the Blues imminent managerial vacancy.

"Chelsea need a talented and winning manager. Conte is probably top of their list, but I would amazed if he would leave Turin. I think he wants to stay at Juventus for at least another year, then something might happen, Vialli pointed out.

Conte had served a four-month ban at the beginning of this season, after he was found guilty in a match-fixing incident last year.