Chelsea yet to approach Gianfranco Zola as Antonio Conte leads pre-season training

Chelsea have yet to approach Gianfranco Zola about a return to the club as Antonio Conte oversaw the team’s first official pre-season training session on Monday.

Zola is expected to be named as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant should the club conclude protracted compensation negotiations over the Italian’s arrival from Napoli as well as Conte’s departure.

However, Standard Sport understands that Sarri is the one who has approached Zola about a return to Stamford Bridge and not a member of the club’s hierarchy.

The 52-year-old is regarded as a legend among fans at the club having starred there as a player between 1996-2003.

News of his possible appointment has been welcomed by the fanbase after another close season uncertainty.

But surprisingly, it is Sarri who has made the move to lure the former Italy international back and not the club themselves. As yet no deal has been agreed with Napoli to release Sarri from the two years remaining on his contract.