Premier League manager news: Enrique edges towards Chelsea, while West Ham eye Benitez

Enrique’s Chelsea hopes boosted

Antonio Conte is still officially the manager of Chelsea, at least until this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester United.

However, it appears that Conte’s days at Stamford Bridge are numbered. Many media outlets are speculating about who will replace the Italian next season. The Blues had been linked with a move for Maurizio Sarri, but The Daily Telegraph reports that the Napoli boss held talks yesterday about staying with the Italian club.

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Could this mean that Luis Enrique is now favourite to take over at Chelsea? The Telegraph says the former Barcelona chief’s hopes could receive a “significant boost” after Sarri’s talks went well with Napoli. Sources say Enrique and Sarri are the two candidates most likely to replace Conte.

West Ham United target Benitez

West Ham are set to “make a move” for Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez, according to Sky Sports.

The Hammers are without a manager after David Moyes left yesterday. Benitez is in the running after leading Newcastle to a tenth-place finish in the Premier League this season.

West Ham’s owners want to appoint a “high-calibre” figure within the next ten days, says the Telegraph, and are considering an approach for Benitez.

The Guardian adds that West Ham also want to interview Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean, who is currently working in China, won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2014.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Paulo Fonseca has “ruled himself out of the running”, the Guardian reports. Other candidates for the West Ham job include former Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery, Burnley’s Sean Dyche and Huddersfield Town’s David Wagner.

Arteta set for Arsenal talks

This week Mikel Arteta emerged as the favourite to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. Sky Sports reports that the former Gunners midfielder will hold talks with the club today.

Arteta, who is 36, is currently an assistant coach at Manchester City. The champions’ boss, Pep Guardiola, has said he will not stand in the Spaniard’s way.

Sacked Allardyce to get £2m ‘bonus’

The Times reports that Sam Allardyce will receive a £2m bonus for keeping Everton in the Premier League this season. The 63-year-old was sacked by the Toffees yesterday after just seven months in charge at Goodison Park.

Former Watford manager Marco Silva remains favourite to take over at Everton. Yesterday the club appointed PSV Eindhoven’s Marcel Brands as their new director of football.