Louis Van Gaal
Former Manchester United boss, Louis van Gaal, could replace Chelsea manager Antonio Conte for an interim period if the Italian departs.
Van Gaal, who was sacked by United two days after winning the FA Cup in 2016, is one of the names in the hat if Conte leaves Stamford Bridge before the end of the season, according to The Mirror.
Conte has reiterated his desire to remain at Chelsea next season but admits he must resolve his differences with the board to stay.
The Italian concedes his ‘bags are packed’ ahead of what looks to be an inevitable exit this summer. But Conte is seemingly clinging on to the hope that he can see out the final 12 months of his deal.
Conte’s future at the Premier League champions has been cast in huge doubt in recent months following an inconsistent start to 2018.
That, coupled with ongoing tensions with the board over the club’s transfer policy, has left Conte’s future, beyond this season, looking increasingly uncertain.
‘In 14 years, Chelsea have changed coach 10 times, so they do have a tendency to chop and change here,’ Conte said.
‘I said very clearly, I have a contract to 2019. I want to respect it but anything can happen in football.
‘I’m happy here but to move forward with the marriage, everyone needs to be in agreement. My intention is to continue.
‘In our line of work, we always have a bag packed. My intention is to remain here, but if something were to change, there would be several different scenarios opening up.’
Van Gaal is eyeing a short-term job and would welcome the chance to return to English football. Should Conte leave before the end of the season, the Dutchman could take over until the club make a permanent appointment.