Conte unsure whether Chelsea duo will go

Antonio Conte says the futures of Branislav Ivanovic and Asmir Begovic remain unclear.

Chelsea stalwart Ivanovic, who has spent nine trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge, is discussing a move to Zenit St Petersburg.

And back-up goalkeeper Begovic, who is wanted by Bournemouth, is keen to move on ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

But Blues boss Conte says he is unsure whether they will leave and that, as things stand, they will be in his squad for Tuesday evening’s game at Liverpool.

Asked whether Ivanovic had decided to move to Russia, Conte said: “Honestly I didn’t speak with the player about this decision.

“For sure we know he is talking with another club, but I don’t know anything (more) and we have to wait.

“He has played a lot of games for this club and won a lot for this club.

“He is 32 and can play for many more years and is able to continue his career in the right way at the top level.

“But it is important to respect the decision of the player. This type of player is a legend in the club.

“The moment arrives when you are not playing a lot and you can make a decision to go to another team.”

Chelsea are reluctant to let Begovic leave without first bringing in someone else to act as cover for first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois.

“I haven’t news about Asmir. I think that we will have to wait tomorrow and we’ll see,” Conte said.

“The situation is the same. Asmir wants to go and play but also knows really well our situation.

“If we are able to find a good replacement he will go, otherwise he will stay with us and fight until the end to win the title.”

Meanwhile, West Brom boss Tony Pulis has dismissed reports he wants Ivanovic, insisting he has no interest in signing the defender.