Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea transfer edging closer: Antonio Conte willing to offer this player in swap deal
CHELSEA’s attempts to bring Fernando Llorente to Stamford Bridge are moving closer, according to reports.
Fernando Llorente - Spotlight on
Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen his attacking options this month and is thought to be targeting a reunion with the Swansea striker.
Conte knows the Spaniard well from his time at Juventus, that saw them win the Serie A together in 2014, and believes he would be an ideal back up to star striker Diego Costa.
Swansea are reluctant to part with the 31-year-old, but reports in Italy suggest Chelsea are pushing ahead with their attempts to sign him.
Fernando Llorente is on Antonio Conte's radar
I repeat always in the same, in this period - I don't like to talk about players of the other teams because it is not respectful to the player and for the team
And in order to convince Swansea into agreeing to sell, Sky Sports claim Conte is considering using Michy Batshuayi as part of a deal to secure Llorente’s arrival.
The Belgian has struggled for game time since his move from Marseille in the summer with Costa’s good run of form limiting him chances to impress.
The report suggests a swap deal is on the cards but it is not clear if both players will move permanently or on loan.
Michy Batshuayi has struggled for game time at Chelsea
Antonio Conte won the Serie A with Fernando Llorente at Juventus
Batshuayi is yet to start a Premier League game for the Blues, but got on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup third round earlier today.
Llorente meanwhile, has netted six goals for Premier League strugglers Swansea.
Conte has remained quiet on the possibility of a swap deal involving Batshuayi and Llorente however.
He said earlier today: “I repeat always in the same, in this period - I don't like to talk about players of the other teams because it is not respectful to the player and for the team."
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?