Report: Javi Gracia in contention to replace Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea

Chelsea are considering Watford manager Javi Gracia as a replacement for Maurizio Sarri, according to a report.

Sarri is expected to finalise a switch to Juventus by the end of the week once ongoing talks between the Serie A giants and Chelsea reach a conclusion.

A number of names are in the frame to replace the Italian, including Frank Lampard and Allegri, and ESPN suggests that Gracia is also under consideration.

The 49-year-old guided Watford to the FA Cup final in his first full campaign in English football and finished 11th in the Premier League.

Chelsea chiefs are said to be running the rule over potential successors and they are fans of Gracia's playing style and coaching ability.