Bookies back Juve boss for Chelsea job

British bookies have placed current Juventus manager Massimilliano Allegri as even money to be Chelsea manager on the opening day of the 2016/17 Premier League season after reportedly signing a contract with the Blues.

The Stamford Bridge side have been

guided by Guus Hiddkink on an interim basis since Jose Mourinho's sacking before Christmas, with the likes of Diego Simeone, Brendan Rodgers, Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino among those linked with the job.

But it has emerged in Italy that Allegri, who won the Serie A title and Coppa Italia with the 'Old Lady' last season as well as reaching the final of the Champions League, is to take over in the summer.

The reports come less than a week after it was revealed that Pep Guardiola will take the reins at Manchester City at the end of the season with outgoing City boss Manuel Pellegrini and former Juve boss Conte also in the mix.

Manchester United could also be on the lookout for a new manager come the end of the season, with Louis van Gaal failing to win over the Old Trafford faithful, and Jose Mourinho is the favourite for the United job.

Assistant manager Ryan Giggs is next, while Spurs manager Pochettino and a sensational return for Sir Alex Ferguson are also being touted.