Antonio Conte targets Alex Sandro, Ross Barkley and a striker in January to bolster Chelsea squad

Antonio Conte wants to strengthen his squad in January

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to sign Alex Sandro, Ross Barkley and a striker to rival Alvaro Morata in the January transfer window.

The Italian was far from pleased last summer after missing out on a number of his top targets, including Romelu Lukaku, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fernando Llorente and Barkley.

Chelsea’s failure to deliver on Conte’s demands led to tension at the start of the season and Michael Emenalo’s resignation this week has put further pressure on the club to appease the Italian.

Barkley was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a hamstring injury complicated any move to the Blues. The England playmaker is on course to return to action in the coming weeks but Ronald Koeman’s departure has given the Toffees a greater chance of keeping him.

Barkley was keen on joining Chelsea last summer (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea had a bid of around £53m rejected from Juventus for Alex Sandro but the Brazilian remains keen on a move to west London and Conte still wants him, according to the Mirror.

Marcos Alonso has failed to replicate the form he showed during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge and in any case Sandro is viewed as a significant upgrade.