Antonio Conte Plans Twin Swoop For Premier League Players

Antonio Conte may have bested Jose Mourinho's Manchester United at the weekend but the Chelsea manager still wants to add to his side. He has two big transfer targets when the January window opens in seven and a half weeks.

It's around 10 weeks since the transfer window 'slammed shut' with Jim White presenting the closing ceremony by wrapping his yellow tie across the window and cutting it with some scissors, or something like that.

That means that we're roughly half-way through the period where there is no actual transfers, which if I'm honest is probably my favourite part of the season because the transfer window is just hell.

Chelsea have had an up and down start to the season but the Blues win over Manchester United last weekend means that they are just one point behind second place United and third place Spurs in fourth.

_{Morata scored the winner against United. Image: PA}

But despite that near lofty position Antonio Conte has continued to cut a frustrated figure in the Stamford Bridge dugout and is reportedly unhappy at the clubs recruitment in the summer so it's no wonder he's eyeing up mid season moves.

According to the Mirror the Italian is hoping to finally pull off a move for Ross Barkley from Everton, after failing in August, whilst Christian Benteke is top of his list for a back up striker.

_{Barkley (top) was expected to move in the summer. Benteke (bottom) is yet to score this season. Images: PA Images.}

Barkley was on the verge of signing for Chelsea in the summer and backed out of the move at the last minute, deciding to stay at Everton for the time being, with his injury still keeping him out of action.

The midfielder will likely also be targeted by Spurs with Mauricio Pochettino also interested in the Englishman.

Spurs are also the reason that Conte requires a back up striker. The side using Wembley as their current home nipped in ahead of their London rivals to sign former Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente.

The former Italy manager continues to be unconvinced by his current back up striker Michy Batshuayi and really wants to add to his striking department.

Will Conte get his hands on any of his targets in January?

Topics: Chelsea, Ross Barkley, Premier League, England, Everton, Antonio Conte, Crystal Palace

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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