Chelsea transfer news: Andreas Christensen could be used as makeweight as Antonio Conte chases Antonio Candreva
Italians are in the market for a defender which may allow Blues a way to bring in veteran winger to add options out wide
CHELSEA are using Andreas Christensen to tempt Inter Milan to sell Antonio Candreva, according to reports in Italy.
Antonio Conte wants the veteran, 30, to add strength and depth on the flanks but the Serie A outfit have no desire to cash in.
Candreva is seen as an ideal alternative to Victor Moses as he has operated both as a winger and wing-back for club and country.
And signing the Italy international would have the added benefit of making Inter less likely to sell Ivan Perisic to rivals Manchester United.
Christensen is being tipped for more first-team action following John Terry's departure.
The 11-cap Danish international, 21, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach where he racked up 81 first-team appearances.
But with the arrival of Antonio Rudiger, Conte may decide adding options on the flanks is more important and let the prospect leave.
The Blues chief has been critical of club bosses for a lack of activity this summer.
Conte is concerned his title-winning squad needs more work and is upset at the sale of Nemanja Matic to United.
Asked about the Serbian's switch, he snapped: “You will have to ask the club about this.
“We have a very small squad and it’s very important to improve the numerical aspect.
“One new player will not be enough. We need more players.
“It’s important that the club knows my opinion and they are trying to do the best for our team. But now we have to wait.”