"?Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has turned his attention to Mario Mandzukic in the hunt for a new striker after giving up his pursuit of Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku has been heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge this summer, but has reportedly decided to stay at Goodison Park following the arrival of Ronald Koeman and a couple of major signings, leading Chelsea to focus on a new target, according to "?The Mirror.
Conte is keen to add further reinforcements up front with Loic Remy out of favour, leaving only Diego Costa and £32m summer signing Michy Batshuayi - and is confident that he can prise the Croatia international away from the Serie A giants following the high-profile capture of Gonzalo Higuain.
RUMOURS: Chelsea target Mandzukic as Lukaku alternative https://t.co/F9Mbw0mU4X pic.twitter.com/sYrEtWsRrY
Mandzukic would certainly be a much cheaper option than Lukaku - valued at around £25m - and a deal may be more straightforward - enough so to complete before the transfer window shuts in ten days. The 30-year-old joined Juventus from Atletico Madrid last summer and scored 13 goals in his maiden campaign.
Chelsea were dealt a decisive blow in their quest for Lukaku's signature when Everton boss Koeman confirmed he had spoken with the striker, a conversation in which he confirmed his decision to stay for at least one more season.
"It is true. He spoke to me yesterday morning (to say) that he made the decision by himself to stay at least one more season at Everton and that is great news for everybody," said Koeman, after Everton's 2-1 win at West Brom.
Koeman on Lukaku: "He came into the manager's office and said he was no longer leaving" https://t.co/d0blA12Fsn pic.twitter.com/rkiPyQz2oF