Chelsea have a general agreement with Maurizio Sarri via his representatives to take over if Antonio Conte leaves his role as manager, according to Sky in Italy.
However, Chelsea have no intention of paying Sarri's £7million (€8m) release clause, which expires on May 31, Sky in Italy are reporting.
Sky in Italy understand this is in part because the Blues will need to pay £17.5m (€20m) in compensation if they decide to sack the Italian Conte, who lifted the FA Cup with the Blues last week.