Conte looking to strengthen defence in January

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is looking to strengthen his defensive options in January, according to the Mirror.

The report says that Conte is eager to add more strength to his backline – in order for him to rotate his players across competitions. He is said to be looking for a centre-back and a left-back.

This is despite Chelsea having kept five clean sheets in-a-row in the Premier League.

Thibaut Courtois has not seen a goal hit his net since Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the end of September.

The Belgian shot-stopper did not concede a single goal in the Premier League during October – but Conte is still keen to improve the defence in front of him.

Chelsea currently line-up with a 3-4-3 formation but Conte looking to sign a left-back could hint at a possible change in formation. This is despite Chelsea’s incredible form of late.

The report also claims that central midfielder Jon Obi Mikel will not be awarded a new contract.