Conte laughs off reports linking Hazard with Barcelona

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Antonio Conte has laughed off reports that Barcelona could target Chelsea star Eden Hazard as a replacement for Neymar.

Barcelona have sold Brazilian forward Neymar to Paris St-Germain in a record £200m deal, prompting speculation about who might move to the Nou Camp.

Hazard, who had ankle surgery this summer and will miss the start of the new season, is among the players to be linked with Barca.

Blues boss Conte declared: “We are trying to buy players, not sell! Otherwise the number is always less and we are in trouble.

“These are rumours. Eden is very happy to stay with us and to play with Chelsea – to recover from his injury and then start the season with us.”

Meanwhile, Conte has confirmed that Hazard and new signing Tiémoué Bakayoko will miss the start of the season.