Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte has list of four targets but faces competition from Everton

All the latest transfer news and rumours coming out of Stamford Bridge on Monday, December 5

Conte has drawn up a list of four central defensive targets

(Getty)

Antonio Conte has drawn up a shortlist of four defenders he will target during the January transfer window as he prepares Chelsea for a Premier League title push.

The Italian is keen to find players who he believes are capable of playing his 3-4-3 formation and wants to bring in at least one central defender in the new year.

The Blues can count on Gary Cahill, David Luiz, John Terry and, when declared fully fit, Kurt Zuoma as central defensive options but Conte feels he needs to add to that if Chelsea are to become champions.

According to Squawka, the former Italy boss has Leonardo Bonucci as his first choice despite failing in a move for him in the summer.

He is also keeping tabs on AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli, as well as more realistic targets Antonio Rudiger from Roma and Burnley’s Michael Keane.

However, the Daily Mirror reports that Chelsea are not the only side who want former Manchester United centre back Keane, with Everton boss Ronald Koeman joining the race for the Englishman.

Champions Leicester were linked with a £15m move in the summer but the Blues’ interest since has been well documented, although they now face competition from Merseyside.

The Toffees are hoping that the lure of working with former Barcelona centre back Koeman, as well as a regular starting berth, will be enough to persuade Keane to join them over Chelsea.

Another player who could be arriving at Stamford Bridge, or returning to, is loanee Mario Pasalic, who is drawing attention with his performances for AC Milan this season, say the Daily Star.

The 21-year-old joined the Serie A side on loan in the summer and after an initial underwhelming start, he has battled his way into the first team.

The midfielder has never made an appearance for Chelsea but capped an impressive performance against Crotone on the weekend with a goal.

Former Chelsea striker Eider Gudjohnsen has tweeted his support for Brazilian side Chapecoense, who were devastated by a plane crash which killed 71 people last week, including 19 players.

Gudjohnsen has offered his playing services to the club after Ronaldinho and Juan Roman Riquelme did the same.