Transfer gossip: Conte reportedly furious after United agree Lukaku fee

Some of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea.

Reports claim Antonio Conte is furious that Chelsea appear to be about to miss out on Romelu Lukaku, with some reports suggesting the Italian’s future as Blues boss is in doubt.

It was previously suggested that Conte was keener to sign Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata and that Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo was driving the club’s pursuit of Lukaku.

However, with Manchester United having agreed a fee with Everton for the Belgian, reports now claim Lukaku was Conte’s top transfer target.

The Daily Mirror say Conte saw Lukaku as “the central piece in the jigsaw for next season” and suggest he could quit.

The Times say Conte is “furious” and The Guardian reports that “losing out on Lukaku would represent a significant blow and place further strain on Conte’s relationship with the board.”

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Telegraph link Benteke with Blues

Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke is among the strikers to be linked with Chelsea following the news that a fee has been agreed for Lukaku to join United.

The Daily Telegraph say Conte is an admirer of Benteke and could look to sign him as a squad player.

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Newcastle want Loftus-Cheek – Mail

Newcastle want Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the Daily Mail say.

The promoted Magpies are said to be keen to take Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea, where his first-team opportunities have been limited.

A number of other clubs, including Brighton and West Ham, have been linked with the midfielder in recent months.

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Blues back in for Llorente – Times

Chelsea have renewed their interest in Swansea’s Fernando Llorente, according to The Times.

The Blues enquired about Llorente during the January transfer window. He previously played under Conte at Juventus.

The Times say Chelsea are considering Llorente as a back-up option for the coming season

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Inter linked with Christensen

The Sun have picked up on reports in Italy that Inter Milan have made an approach for Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen.

The Danish centre-back has been on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach for the past two seasons and there has been speculation over where he will be next term.

Inter are said to be willing to offer Christensen regular first-team football.

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Remy reportedly agrees move

Reports in Turkey say Loic Remy has agreed a move to Besiktas.

The French striker, who was loaned to Crystal Palace last season but spent most of the campaign out injured, is expected to leave Chelsea this summer.

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Costa speculation

Atletico Madrid are offering Chelsea £22m for Diego Costa, the Daily Mirror say.

The Mirror say selling Costa back to his former club for that amount would cost Chelsea more than £50m given that it is less than a third of the £76m they were reportedly offered by Chinese Super League club Tianjian Quanjian.

It is also claimed that Atletico are so confident of signing him they have drawn up a training programme to keep him match fit while he is not playing games – the Spanish club’s transfer ban means he would not be able to play for them until January.

The Mirror claimed earlier this week that Costa is refusing to be forced out and that this has hampered Chelsea’s efforts to re-sign Lukaku from Everton.

The Mirror claimed Costa is determined to only leave Chelsea on his terms and that he and Conte are involved in an “all-out war”.

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De Vrij linked yet again

Lazio’s Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij has yet again been linked with Chelsea.

De Vrij has been touted for a move to the Premier League during successive transfer windows and the Blues have repeatedly been linked with him despite not making an approach.

With his representatives looking to secure him an improved deal at Lazio, Italian transfer-gossip website Tuttomercatoweb say contract talks have stalled and that Chelsea and Tottenham would both be keen to sign De Vrij.

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Hull linked with Aina

Hull have made an enquiry about Chelsea’s Ola Aina, according to allnigeriasoccer.com.

It follows speculation that new Hull boss Leonid Slutsky, who is a friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, will look to sign Blues youngsters.

The Tigers are said to have asked about taking Aina, 20, on loan for the coming season.

The London-born Aina, who has represented England at various age levels, was recently reported to have pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria.