Ranieri future still unclear after ‘showdown’ talks

CLAUDIO RANIERI and Peter Kenyon emerged from so-called showdown talks last night with the manager’s future remaining exactly as it has been all season — uncertain.

The Chelsea boss and chief executive had a "very pleasant" meeting at Stamford Bridge yesterday afternoon despite the uncertainty surrounding the coach's post. But the discussions, billed as a definitive summit to decide whether or not the Italian would be axed when the season ends in two months, were inconclusive.

The Press Association understands Ranieri is "none the wiser" about his future, which remains up in the air just as it has done since the moment Roman Abramovich swept into power 10 months ago.