"?Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is said to have identified Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente as a key transfer target in January.
Reports from Spanish media outlet "?AS suggest that the Blues boss has concerns regarding the form of backup striker Michy Batshuayi and is now on the hunt for an experienced forward who can compete with top scorer Diego Costa.
Chelsea planning surprise swoop for Swansea's Fernando Llorente to provide Diego Costa backup https://t.co/py9JDsMAjc pic.twitter.com/x3PrPoHelb
According to AS, Conte has reportedly told Chelsea that he would like the club to sign Spanish international Llorente, who he believes has the capabilities to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues manager worked with Llorente when he was in charge of Juventus and the tall striker had a relatively successful two-year spell in Turin, where he managed to score 27 goals in 92 appearances.
Having signed for Swansea earlier this year, the 31-year-old has found the net six times for the Welsh club, who were once again plunged into turmoil earlier this week when manager Bob Bradley was sacked after only three months in charge.
Chelsea are hoping to take advantage of the Swans' current plight and lowly league position by signing Llorente in January. Conte is understood to have concerns over a natural replacement for striker Diego Costa, should he pick up an injury in the second half of the season.
Batshuayi was believed to be a back-up option at the start of the season, after he was signed from Marseille for an estimated €40m. However, the young Belgian has struggled to impress since arriving in England and having only scored once in 11 appearances, his manager now feels that further reinforcements are needed as Chelsea chase their fifth Premier League title.
The Blues will be looking to extend their six-point lead and 12 match winning run this Saturday, where they host Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.
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