Inter are in pole position to secure the services of Antonio Conte for next season after Juventus owner Andrea Agnelli vetoed the Italian’s return to Turin, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Conte had been linked with the Bianconeri in recent weeks as uncertainty over Max Allegri’s future continues to reign.

However, Agnelli remains determined not to re-appoint him following Conte’s shock departure in the summer of 2014.

“The rift Conte created back then has not yet been healed and it means Inter are favourites to appoint him,” the Rome-based paper said.

“It’s no secret Fabio Paratici and Pavel Nedved are keen to have Conte back but Agnelli’s position on the matter is very rigid.”

Inter owners Suning were initially undecided on whether to appoint Conte but it appears they have now been persuaded by new CEO Beppe Marotta.

The former Chelsea manager boasts an impressive track record of winning trophies wherever he has been and is viewed as the ideal man to take Inter to the next level.

Suning remain grateful to Luciano Spalletti for his work over the past two seasons, taking Inter back to the Champions League after a six-year absence, but they believe a new coach is required to make the next step.

“For now Inter have a third place finish to secure, but everything will be clearer at the end of the season,” Corriere concluded.