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Chelsea transfer news: Fernando Llorente still a target for Blues but Michy Batshuayi will not be part of deal

The Belgian striker has struggled for game time since his big money move from Marseille but is said to want to fight for a place at the Bridge

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CHELSEA are keen to land Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente, but Blues forward Michy Batshuayi will not be going the other way to the Liberty Stadium, SunSport understands.

Antonio Conte is keen on a reunion with Spanish star Llorente, who he signed for Juventus in 2013, as back up to main striker Diego Costa.

 Antonio Conte would prefer to have Llorente as his back-up striker
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Antonio Conte would prefer to have Llorente as his back-up strikerCredit: Reuters

But despite Batshuayi struggling to make any impact at Stamford Bridge since his £33million move from Marseille after Euro 2016, he is said to want to stay and fight for his place.



The out-of-favour striker scored for the Blues in the 4-1 win against Peterborough United on Sunday as Conte rotated his starting line up with Saturday's trip to Leicester City in mind.

 Batshuayi celebrates scoring Chelsea's second goal against Peterborough
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Batshuayi celebrates scoring Chelsea's second goal against PeterboroughCredit: Reuters

With Costa suspended, it had been expected the Belgian striker would be given his first Premier League start at home to Bournemouth on Boxing day.

But Conte opted to start winger Pedro in a three-pronged attack with Eden Hazard and Willian ahead of the former Marseille man in the comfortable win against Eddie Howe's side.

Swansea were monitoring the Belgian hitman during his time at Standard Liege, when he was available for a cut-price £4million, but were beaten to him by Marseilles.

They have now rekindled their interest as they look to move out of the Premier League drop zone.

 Batshuayi scoring only league goal for Chelsea against Watford in August
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Batshuayi scoring only league goal for Chelsea against Watford in AugustCredit: Getty Images

But despite having  the bargaining chip of Llorente, SunSport has been told Batshuayi is enjoying working under Conte and is happy to stay at the Bridge.

 Paul Clement needs to strengthen Swans squad this month to stay in Premier League
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Paul Clement needs to strengthen Swans squad this month to stay in Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images

New Swans boss Paul Clement  desperately needs more firepower regardless of whether Llorente stays or moves on.

But it seems he will have to look somewhere other than West London to fill the gap in his forward line.

 

 

 

 

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