Title-winning Italian inks new deal to stave off Blues exit rumors

LONDON - Chelsea manager Antonio Conte signed a new two-year deal with the Premier League champion on Wednesday as the club moved to quash rumors of a rift that was reportedly pushing him close to an exit from Stamford Bridge.

The deal was confirmed as Conte, who guided the Blues to the title in his first season last term, prepares for a pre-season tour of Asia, which will kick off against Arsenal at Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium on Saturday.