Antonio Conte has reportedly identified two Premier League centre-backs as potential replacements for John Terry, as the Chelsea captain enters the final stages of his career.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Conte is scouting Burnley’s Michael Keane and Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough as he attempts to maintain an English presence at the back.
Chelsea scouts have been instructed to find the best homegrown defensive talents in order to comply with the Premier League’s homegrown player regulations.
Both Keane and Gibson are said to be at the top of Chelsea’s list, though the former may have some rebuilding to do following Burnley’s 3-0 loss against Chelsea prior to the international break.
It became evident after Conte’s arrival at Stamford Bridge that the Italian was looking to strengthen his defensive options.
And with deadline day signing David Luiz (29), Gary Cahill (30) and John Terry (35) all within the latter stages of their respective careers, Conte could be looking for a younger replacement to partner Kurt Zouma in the future.
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