Carlo Ancelotti took a step closer to becoming Chelsea's new manager after he announced his contract at AC Milan has been terminated by mutual consent.
The Italian guided the Rossoneri to third in Serie A, guaranteeing the club Champions League football next season following a 2-0 win over Fiorentina.
However, the 49-year-old said a move to Stamford Bridge has yet to be agreed.
He said: "I have agreed to leave Milan. The decision was by mutual consent. But a move to London is not certain yet."
Chelsea have been searching for a replacement for Guus Hiddink, who is returning to his full-time role with Russia.
The Dutchman, who guided the west London club to the FA Cup on Saturday, was drafted in when Luis Felipe Scolari was sacked in February, but resisted the clamour to remain in charge next season.
Milan club director Leonardo is in the frame to succeed Ancelotti as boss at the San Siro.
Ancelotti, who had been the longest-serving manager in Italy's top flight, having joined the Rossoneri from Juventus in 2001, has previously confirmed he has been learning English.
He previously refused to rule out the possibility of taking the reins at Stamford Bridge, despite reaffirming his commitment to the Serie A giants.
Ancelotti, speaking before the 3-2 defeat by Roma on 24 May, said: "It's 100% certain I will still be at Milan next year."
But he added: "I am open to anything. It's obvious I would say yes if you ask me if I would love to coach Chelsea."
And in his autobiography, 'Preferisco La Coppa' (I Prefer The Cup), which was released in Italy on Tuesday, the 49-year-old describes two meetings he claims to have held with Blues owner Roman Abramovich last year in Geneva and Paris.
Ancelotti told the Russian about two players he thought would help turn Chelsea into the attractive, winning side Abramovich craves.
"President, your team is very physical, you have to put more quality in the middle of the pitch," Ancelotti claims to have told Abramovich.
"I gave him two names, (Bayern Munich winger) Franck Ribery and (Liverpool midfielder) Xabi Alonso."
Chelsea have refused to comment on the claims in Ancelotti's book.
Ancelotti has a year left on his Milan contract but has yet to be offered a new deal.
Other possible candidates to replace Ancelotti at the San Siro Leonardo would include former Milan players Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
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