Antonio Conte reportedly remains hopeful of getting a deal over the line for Inter Milan wideman Antonio Candreva after being backed by the Chelsea board.

The Blues boss is understood to be frustrated by the club's lack of transfer activity during the summer, leaving him with a somewhat depleted squad for the opening stages of the season.

Chelsea have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks, but arguably none more prominent than Candreva, who is understood to be a long-term target for Conte.

It is suggested by The Mirror that the Italian could get his wish to bring his compatriot to Stamford Bridge before the window closes, as Inter are finally ready to sell for £20m.

Candreva can also slot in at wing-back, but the Premier League champions are still thought to be keen on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alex Sandro of Arsenal and Juventus respectively.