CHELSEA are set to make a firm enquiry with Southampton for Virgil van Dijk

Chelsea set to make move for Virgil van Dijk: Antonio Conte assured of three signings

 

CHELSEA are set to make a firm enquiry with Southampton for Virgil van Dijk with new signings being promised at Stamford Bridge.

The Saints centre-half handed in an official transfer request yesterday following months of speculation over his future.

Van Dijk is eager to join one of the Premier League's elite clubs.

And while Chelsea are keen to land the 26-year-old, Express Sport understands a move to Liverpool is his preferred choice.

But Southampton's relationship with Jurgen Klopp's side has been soured by the Reds' alleged illegal pursuit of Van Dijk in June.

Chelsea are still in the race as a result, and The Telegraph claim Van Dijk's transfer request is expected to prompt a stronger approach.

The Blues hope Liverpool and Southampton's row will hand them the advantage.

But Chelsea won't stop there as they look to bolster their team further.

Antonio Conte is desperate for some new faces, highlighted by the size of his squad compared to Arsenal's for Sunday's Community Shield defeat.

The Telegraph add the Chelsea manager has been assured of at least three more additions before the transfer window shuts.

Conte ideally wants two wing-backs to provide competition and support for Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso.

And Express Sport understands talks are underway with Paris Saint-Germain over a £27million move for Serge Aurier.

The right-back, who has also been linked with Manchester United, is seen as an alternative to new Manchester City signing Danilo.

Leicester's Danny Drinkwater, Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Everton's Ross Barkley, Inter Milan's Antonio Candreva and Swansea's Fernando Llorente are all also on Conte's radar.

Chelsea have largely been left frustrated in the market so far, with Juventus' Alex Sandro also seemingly out of reach.

However, the club are intent on strengthening before the end of the month, with Conte's side already stretched due to injuries to the likes of Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

 

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