CHELSEA legend John Terry is reportedly set to return to the club after Maurizio Sarri intervened – as a youth coach.
The former England captain has been without a club since his one-year contract expired at Aston Villa in the summer.
A move to Spartak Moscow was in the pipeline, with a medical even completed by the defender, but he pulled out at the last moment due to family problems.
He is currently learning his coaching badges and has previously mentioned that he dreams of managing Chelsea in the future.
He said: “I want to be the manager of Chelsea one day but that is a five to eight-year plan.”
And there has been a backroom shuffle already at Chelsea this season, with Jody Morris leaving his role as Under-23s boss to take up an assistant role with Frank Lampard at Derby.
According to The Sun, Terry has been earmarked to take over the role – which is currently being filled by Joe Edwards – when he finishes his badges.
The 37-year-old has agreed an £800,000-a-year deal at Stamford Bridge, which has been endorsed by boss Sarri.
The Chelsea legend made 717 appearances for the club, winning 14 majors and is known as ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ on a banner at the home ground.
A source at The Sun said: “John has made no bones about the fact he’s keen to get into management and obviously Chelsea has always been the dream.
“He has been in talks with the boss for the past few weeks and has verbally agreed the deal.
“It will only come to fruition though once he has finished his badges. An as-yet undecided manager will take over in the interim.”
Aston Villa were interested in re-signing the centre-back after a successful year with the Villans last season.
Steve Bruce’s side made it to the Championship play-off final last year but lost to Fulham.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have started well under new boss Sarri this season and remain the only unbeaten side in England in all competitions.
The latest result saw the Blues draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge to leave them third in the Premier League table.
They trail the Reds and Manchester City by two points and face Vidi in the Europa League next on Thursday.