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Antonio Conte misses out on key Chelsea target: Defender agrees deal - report
CHELSEA have missed out on a deal to sign Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule, according to reports.
Niklas Sule is set to join Bayern Munich
Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen his back line at Chelsea.
Although the Blues have the meanest defensive record, conceding just two goals in their past 11 Premier League outings, Conte isn't willing to rest on his laurels.
Reports have suggested that Sule, who was on the Blues' radar last summer, was keen to move to the Premier League.
Antonio Conte had been tracking Niklas Sule for some time
Carlo Ancelotti has beaten his former employers to the signing of Niklas Sule
I’d prefer the Premier League
When asked about his preference earlier this month, Sule said: "Milan and Inter have lost the magic which distinguished them.
"In the past they had great players, the clubs’ names have weight, it’s a beautiful city, the fans are passionate…but the clubs are in decline.
"Going to one of them from the Bundesliga would be a step back, as for years they’ve been struggling to qualify for Europe. I’d prefer the Premier League."
Antonio Conte - 5 things you need to know
However, according to German paper Bild, Bayern Munich have pipped the west London outfit to his signature.
It is suggested an undisclosed fee has been agreed between Bayern and Hoffenheim.
Conte will now be forced to look elsewhere, with the January transfer window opening in six days.
Chelsea will be looking to make it 12 league wins on the trot when they face Bournemouth today (3pm).
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