Antonio Conte has earmarked Burnley centre-back Michael Keane as a transfer target to help solve Chelsea’s defensive crisis.
The 23-year-old could cost £25million after Burnley turned down offers as high as £15m from other clubs – such as Premier League champions Leicester City – in the summer.
Chelsea are among the few clubs who would be willing to pay such a high fee for a central defender and it is expected they will make their move for the Englishman in the January transfer window.
Keane started his career at Manchester United and left them last year for £2m on a three-and-a-half year deal with Burnley.