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Tottenham are ready to battle Chelsea for £40m-rated Fiorentina star Federico Bernardeschi, according to the Evening Standard.
The news could be a huge blow to Blues boss Antonio Conte who is also keen to secure his signature.
Antonio Conte is the front runner for the 22-year-old, but competition is hotting up.
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Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus are all circling.
Blues boss Conte was asked about the prospect of Diego Costa moving to the Far East earlier today – but the Italian was quick to shoot down the possibility.
The maverick striker was linked with Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian last month.
Conte said: “I hope that this offer from China finish with Mikel and Oscar.
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“I think that it is important now to remain with this squad. Now we are fighting this season.
New Yorkshire loan for Brown
Izzy Brown is to spend the rest of the season on loan at Huddersfield Town having ended his previous loan at Rotherham United.
The 19-year-old forward made 20 appearances in the Championship for Rotherham and his move across Yorkshire reunites him with another player from the Chelsea Academy, Kasey Palmer who is also on loan. Huddersfield are fourth in the Championship table.
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Goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney and defender Alex Davey have returned to Chelsea following the completion of their half-season loans at League Two Crawley Town.
Chelsea want Fernando Llorente as back up for Diego Costa
Chelsea are hoping to sign the Swansea striker Fernando Llorente in January. The Spaniard played for Antonio Conte at Juventus during the 2013-14 season and the Chelsea manager sees the striker as the ideal replacement for Diego Costa should he be injured or suspended.
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Chelsea are interested in securing him on loan or on a permanent basis but are aware that they face a struggle to convince Swansea to part company with a striker who has scored six goals this season.
The 31-year-old Llorente joined Swansea from Sevilla last summer and the Welsh club’s new manager, Paul Clement, only has Borja Bastón – the club record signing who has scored only once in 12 games – and the 20-year-old Oliver McBurnie to lead the line and is highly unlikely to sanction a sale or a loan deal for Llorente unless another striker is signed.
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Conte has Michy Batshuayi, who cost Chelsea £33.2m in the summer, available but has used him sparingly and, indeed, left him on the bench when Costa was suspended for the game against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, to play Eden Hazard up front. Chelsea won the game 3-0.
It is understood Chelsea would consider loaning out Batshuayi if they manage to sign Llorente.
The post Chelsea news: £40m star man battle, Conte speaks on Costa exit, another Chelsea star heads out on loan, Llorente update appeared first on Chelsea Season.