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LONDON. — Antonio Conte has suggested he could be set to sign a new deal at Chelsea after his side made a huge march to the English Premier League soccer title at the weekend. Chelsea left it late to secure all three points in a 2-1 win over Stoke on Saturday, handing a huge blow to their title rivals. The victory kept them 10 points clear of Tottenham with just 10 games remaining of the season and only the most optimistic of fans will believe they can be caught now.

Conte has received praise for the turnaround he has performed in his first season at Chelsea with the Premier League all but sewn up and the opportunity to secure a double with the FA Cup.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Inter Milan will swoop in for Conte in the summer.

But the Chelsea boss has poured cold water on rumours linking him away from the club and insists he still has work to do at Stamford Bridge.

“This is the first season for me at Chelsea and for sure when you have the possibility to work more years with the team you can improve, you must improve. It’s normal,” Conte said.

“This season is very important because my players are understanding my idea of football.

“They are adapting to my system, to my philosophy of football. We are building something important.

“I think my players are fully in my idea of football, fully in the method.

“When I arrived as a new coach in a new team, you must know your players and have a bit of time to understand the habits and then to bring them to your idea — but also to show them that your idea is a positive.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Diego Costa is unlikely to win any “fair play” awards this season but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says the fiery forward has become much better at controlling his temper despite relentless heavy treatment from opposing defenders.

Costa was booked for dissent in the 16th minute of Chelsea’s 2-1 victory at Stoke on Saturday but showed impressive restraint for the rest of the game despite being fouled by Phil Bardsley and Bruno Martins Indi.

“When they kicked him, he remained calm and that’s very good for us because in the worst case, he would have got a second yellow card and been out of the game,” Courtois told British media.

“In some moments maybe Diego exaggerates a bit, but all of the time, they hit him quite well.”

Costa, who has picked up six bookings in the league this season, has been a key figure in Premier League leaders Chelsea’s campaign.

“After four or five 50-50 moments where the referee can whistle or not whistle, he gets a bit angry and gets a yellow card,” Belgian international Courtois added.

“So it’s important for him to stay calm and he’s developed that a lot this season. “

Chelsea are 10 points clear at the top ahead of the international break and will host 16th-placed Crystal Palace on April 1. — The Daily Express.