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Chelsea News: Spurs boss on Conte meeting, Italian swap proposal, Barca want Blues man
EXPRESS SPORT brings you all the latest Chelsea news.
Chelsea vs Tottenham - Premier League match preview
Chelsea v Tottenham (5.30pm)
Antonio Conte visited Tottenham’s training base last season and swapped tactics with Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea boss has revealed.
Chelsea host Tottenham in today’s 5.30pm kick off as both teams push for the Premier League title.
The Blues have excelled under new manager Conte this season and sit top of the Premier League table.
Conte's Chelsea face Spurs today as Barcelona eye Ivanovic (left)
Mauricio is fantastic - I consider him one of the best managers out there
And Conte revealed he met up with his managerial counterpart at Spurs’ training ground.
"Mauricio is fantastic - I consider him one of the best managers out there," said Conte.
"I say 'thank you' again for having the possibility to visit Spurs' training ground and speak with him, to see their training sessions.
"I spoke with him and his staff and we watched a video. I remember that day with great emotion.
“We spoke a lot about football. When I have the possibility to talk with another coach, I'm very happy.
"I did not know him before that. That was the first time I met him. But I have great respect for him. I consider him a very good manager."
Fiorentina reports
In transfer news, Chelsea could reportedly swap unwanted winger Juan Cuadrado for two Fiorentina players next summer.
Cuadrado is currently on a three-year loan stint at Juventus but Italian outlet Calciomercato claim he could be used as a makeweight for Conte to bring in new players.
Federico Bernardeschi has also been linked with Chelsea
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Milan Badelj
According to the report, Chelsea are interested in Fiorentina stars Milan Badelj and Federico Bernardeschi.
And the Florence club themselves are seeking a wide man, with their former player Cuadrado supposedly a perfect fit.
Fiorentina have already said they do not plan to let winger Bernardeschi leave - but Chelsea’s financial muscle may prove too strong for the Serie A club.
Barcelona are keen to land Branislav Ivanovic
Barcelona target Ivanovic
Barcelona want to sign Branislav Ivanovic to solve their right-back problem, according to Goal.
Barca have struggled to replace Dani Alves since the Brazilian left for Juventus and have been linked with a number of Premier League defenders.
Technical director Robert Fernandez is supposedly scouring Europe for an adequate player - even if they are signed on a short-term deal.
And the report claims Barca are now ready to bid for Ivanovic, 32, and believe Chelsea manager Conte will give the green light to the move.
Ivanovic has struggled to get into the Blues team since Conte switched to three at the back and may see Barca as one final big move in his career.
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