Transfer gossip: Conte plans talks with players, Mail say

A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea…

Antonio Conte plans to hold talks with a number of Chelsea players following confirmation that the Italian will be taking over as manager, the Daily Mail say.

The newspaper reports that Conte was introduced to the Blues squad on Tuesday and is keen to speak individually to players who want to leave.

Conte will hold meetings with Eden Hazard, John Terry, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa, it is claimed.

Hazard is said to be undecided over whether to stay at Stamford Bridge and Matic is reported to be unsettled at the club.

Costa has been linked with a return to Spain and Terry has said he is not being offered a new deal when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

On Tuesday, the Daily Star claimed Conte has already decided that John Mikel Obi, Pedro and Loic Remy can leave this summer.

Meanwhile, UK newspapers have been reacting to Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo telling radio station Onda Cero that it would be “nearly impossible” to negotiate a deal to re-sign Costa from Chelsea.

The Daily Mirror, which has linked the striker with a return to his former club, say it is confirmation they want him.

Cerezo said: “Diego Costa has a contract with Chelsea. Many times a club want a player who is under contract.

“It is totally logical that Atletico is interested in the return of the striker. But to negotiate with Chelsea is very hard, nearly impossible.”