Roma eye up move for Chelsea boss Sarri after their Champions League defeat 

Maurizio Sarri could have a possible escape route from Chelsea with Roma exiting the Champions League.

It is believed that Roma's failure to progress past Porto on Wednesday night means boss Eusebio Di Francesco will not last beyond the end of the season.

Sarri is one of the Italian side's top choices to take over as manager.

Roma went down 3-1 at Porto on Wednesday night, with a 4-3 aggregate defeat sending them out of Europe's top competition.

Sarri is still under pressure at Chelsea despite a recent upturn in form after humiliating defeats away at Bournemouth and Manchester City.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is set on Champions League qualification next season and that continues to remain in the balance.

Italian media  with Roma last month, while the former Napoli boss has a residence near the Italian capital.

Franco Baldini and president James Pallotta were reported to have had dinner with Sarri in London - talk he laughed off following a 3-0 Europa League win over Malmo.

With Di Francesco looking set for an exit and the future of technical director Monchi, linked with Arsenal, also unclear Roma could be facing a rebuild.

Sportsmail reported on Wednesday that the Chelsea board consulted Sarri over the club's pre-season plans despite fears he may not survive into next season.

Sarri almost took Napoli to a famous title last year before running out of steam when head-to-head with Juventus in the end.

A brief upturn in form has eased growing calls for a change but speaking ahead of facing Dynamo Kiev on Thursday, Sarri insisted his future in west London is 'not important' right now.

The Italian said: 'I have said it's not important if I'm here next season. At this moment, it's important only the results.

'In this moment, Dynamo Kiev is everything. I am confident otherwise I won't be able to do my work. I have to think this [that I will be here next season] if I want to do my job.'

-Dailymail