Chelsea transfer news: Blues to make £50million swoop for Southampton ace Virgil van Dijk this week as Antonio Conte looks for defensive reinforcements
Italian boss watched his depleted side fall to a crushing 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley on the opening day of the season
CHELSEA are ready to bolster their squad with wantaway Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
Antonio Conte wants news players after Blues' threadbare side suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat to Burnley at home on the opening day of the season.
Van Dijk is desperate to leave Southampton after handing in a transfer request last week.
The Holland international has been heavily linked with a move to league rivals Liverpool this summer.
But Jurgen Klopp's side conceded defeat in his chase after being found guilty of illegally tapping up the player.
, Chelsea are ready to take full advantage of Liverpool's failings by launching a £50million bid.
Chelsea's defence crumbled against Sean Dyche's side on Saturday after Gary Cahill was shown a straight red card for a dangerous lunge.
The Italian gaffer wants a new leader in his back three with John Terry and Kurt Zouma leaving Stamford Bridge this summer.
£35million signing Antonio Rudiger made his league debut on Saturday but Conte still needs further reinforcements.
He is growing increasingly discontent with life at the club over Chelsea's transfer dealings this summer.
The decision to allow Nemanja Matic to leave for Manchester United seems crazier by the game whilst last season's top scorer Diego Costa remains in Brazil.
Chelsea could try and pip Manchester United to the signing of Ivan Perisic before the end of the transfer window.