Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte eyes moves for defenders Ben Gibson and Faouzi Ghoulam

A round-up of Wednesday's rumours about the ins and outs at Stamford Bridge

Gibson could become one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history

Chelsea will need to fork out a handsome £35million if they are to prize Ben Gibson away from Middlesbrough next month.

The Mirror understands that the Blues are interested in acquiring the 23-year-old defender following his impressive start to life in the Premier League under Aitor Karanka with Middlesbrough.

However, Boro’s board, which includes the defender’s uncle and club owner, Steve Gibson, are not prepared to let the powerful defender leave on the cheap.

Gibson is so key to the club’s hopes of Premier League survival that Boro would only let him leave for a deal which would make the England Under-21’s defender one of the most expensive British defender in history.

Since switching to three at the back under Antonio Conte, Chelsea has risen to the top of the Premier League three points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

But, now, the former Italy boss is eager to bring in defensive reinforcements with an extra slot to cover in central defence.

Conte has also been linked with a move for Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea face a battle with Atletico Madrid if they are to sign Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam.

Calciomercato understands that Ghoulam has caught the eye of Antonio Conte with some impressive performances for the Serie A club and the Blues manager could make a move for the Algeria international in the near future.

Ghoulam’s representatives are currently holding talks with Napoli officials with the player set to be offered a new deal in the region of £1.8million-a-year.

However, Chelsea and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid could hijack their contract negotiations and exceed the current deal which is on the table for Ghoulam.

Atletico’s director of sport Andrea Berta watched the flying wing-back during Napoli’s recent fixture against Inter igniting speculation between the two parties.

But, it is unlikely Ghoulam would make any transfer next month as he is in Gabon with the Algerian national squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Asmir Begovic has been linked with a move to West Ham United who are hoping to rebuild their disastrous season in the January transfer window.

Begovic is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season after Thibault Courtois return to fitness and the Bosnian could be swayed by the Hammers’ offer of regular first team football.

The Sun reports that the club are looking to strengthen in a number of positions following their horror start to the season and, especially in their goalkeeping ranks after a number of high profile mistakes from first choice stopper, Adrian.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic had crisis talks with club owners David Gold and David Sullivan this week and, despite receiving their support, the Croatian will desperate to change his side’s fortunes as quickly as possible.

Begovic could be the first of many to arrive at the London Stadium next month with Marouane Fellaini also on Bilic’s wanted list.