Chelsea reportedly rejected Maurizio Sarri's offer to see out the remaining year of his Stamford Bridge contract, paving the way for him to join Juventus.

The 60-year-old is expected to be announced as Juve's new head coach by the end of the week after being given permission to hold talks with the Serie A champions.

According to The Times, Sarri informed his Chelsea bosses that he was willing to remain in place for another season before then moving on, but only if the club offered more public backing and bought into his plans.

However, the report suggests that the Blues felt it was in their best interest to allow the Italian to depart less than 12 months into the job, despite last week's Europa League success and a respectable third-placed finish in the Premier League.

Sarri is said to have been offered a three-year deal worth £19m to succeed Massimiliano Allegri at the Allianz Stadium.