Conte reveals three Chelsea transfer target lists

Antonio Conte has admitted to having three lists of transfer targets at Chelsea, having previously moaned that he has “rarely been given the players I asked for”.

The Blues boss told Sky Sport Italia after seeing the January window swing open that he regularly faces frustration in the transfer market.

In an effort to avoid a repeat in 2018, the Premier League title-winning coach is leaving no stone unturned.

Recruitment remains in the hands of others at Stamford Bridge, but Conte has an important role to play and has made those in charge of getting deals done aware of his first, second and third choices.

On the back of wrapping up a £15 million deal for England international midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte told reporters: “I speak with my club.

“There are priorities to improve the team, in certain roles, and I think in this situation, the best way is to speak with the club in the right moment and give my opinion to improve the team.

“I tell the club which is the role we can improve, the prospects of the player, the characteristics of the players we need and then the club will try to help me. There isn’t just one list, there’s two, three lists and sometimes you can’t get the first name on the list.

“Sometimes the club can make you happy, sometimes not, but it doesn’t change for me because my commitment is always the same. I try to work very hard with my players on the pitch.

“In this transfer window, if we sign some new players then I’ll be very happy, especially if the players are in these certain roles.”

Conte is also hoping to see Chelsea do their winter business early, with the Blues having left it late to complete their summer refresh and paid the price with a disjointed opening to the 2017-18 campaign.

The Italian added:  “It’s very important for me to work with the players quickly and I think for this reason, this is why our start to the season was poor.

“Because the players we signed arrived at the last moment and some players arrived injured. [Tiemoue] Bakayoko and [Danny] Drinkwater both had injuries and [Davide] Zapapcosta arrived here at the last moment.

“If they come early [in the window], then it is good for me and for my players to work together.”