Watford boss Javi Gracia has allegedly emerged as a shock target for Chelsea to replace their manager Maurizio Sarri in the summer.
The Blues manager Maurizio Sarri is heavily linked with a return to Italy to take charge of Serie A champions Juventus next season.
Sarri has been widely criticised by the Stamford Bridge faithful despite having an impressive first season.
Chelsea have allegedly lined up club legend Frank Lampard and Javi Gracia as potential replacements for the former Napoli boss if he leaves in the summer but the Watford boss is set to remain at Vicarage Road.
Gracia helped the Hornets to an 11th-placed finish in the Premier League as well as to the final of the FA Cup, and losing him would have been a devastating blow to Watford who have been a joy to watch under the Spaniard since his appointment.
Gracia signed a new deal with Watford in November that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2023. The contract also contains the option of an additional three years once his current deal expires and the report reveals that Chelsea will find it difficult to prise him away this summer.
Gracia has overseen Watford 61 times since taking over the club in January last year and has managed an impressive record of 24 wins and 11 draws in that time.
Hornets fans will be delighted to hear that their manager will stay on despite the reported interest from Chelsea.
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