Chelsea news: Blues eye January bid for AC Milan and Italy defender Alessio Romagnoli - reports

Chelsea made a number of unsuccessful bids for the Italian over the summer but, according to reports, it seems Blues boss Antonio Conte remains determined to land the defender

Alessio Romagnoli was called up for Italy last week to play against Spain (Getty)

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating making a January move for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli after being repeatedly rebuffed during the summer transfer window.

The Blues made a number of unsuccessful bids for the Italian, the highest of which was a £35m offer, but it seems Antonio Conte is still determined to land the defender, according to The Sun.

Whether or not Chelsea are able to lure the highly-rated defender to the Premier League remains another matter.

Reports suggest that Milan are holding out for £49m and it’s unclear if the Blues would be willing to meet such demands, especially after refusing to go anything above £35m during the summer.

Although Conte brought David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge for £30m, it seems the Italian boss is not satisfied with his current defensive options.

Gary Cahill’s recent loss of form, coupled with John Terry’s mounting injury concerns, has left Chelsea worryingly exposed at the back while new-signing Luiz has struggled to convince on his return to the Bridge.

Conte has experience of working with the 21-year-old having coached Italy between 2014 and 2016.

But the Italian youngster was overlooked for Euro 2016 as Conte opted to select Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci ahead of him.

Romagnoli has established himself at the heart of AC Milan's backline (Getty)

Nonetheless, Romagnoli is continuing to impress in Italy and was recently called up by new Azzurri boss Giampiero Venture for Italy's 1-1 draw against Spain last week.

AC Milan are determined to keep hold of the defener but a £49m offer could prove too irresistible to turn down should Chelsea come knocking again.