Chelsea transfer news: Blues want Joao Cancelo from Valencia as Antonio Conte prepares to boost ranks with right wing-back

CHELSEA are reportedly keen on raiding Valencia for flying wing-back Joao Cancelo.

The Portugal international plays on the right of defence and would provide competition for misfit-turned-hero Victor Moses.

Getty Images

Getty Images

Sky Sports claims Chelsea scouted Cancelo “extensively” when he turned out for his country at the European U21 championships.

NOT PICKED YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM YET? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

And Antonio Conte has apparently continued to keep a close eye on the 23-year-old, who made 38 appearances for Valencia last season.

The Italian will be hoping for a transfer breakthrough as soon as possible after seeing his squad shrink just months after lifting the Premier League title.

Chelsea have cashed in on a number of aces including Nemanja Matic  and Nathan Ake, with captain John Terry leaving on a free transfer.

Diego Costa is also set to depart after being axed by text message for his training ground shenanigans in January.

And despite signing Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata for mega-money fees, Conte remains unconvinced that his squad can challenge on all fronts in the new campaign.

Getty Images

AFP

Chelsea put in an underwhelming performance against Arsenal in Sunday’s Community Shield final defeat at Wembley.

And fans will be hoping Cancelo is just the first of many to flock to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window shuts, with Tottenham left-back Danny Rose and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also being eyed.

Should a move for Cancelo collapse, Chelsea could instead target fellow right-backs Paris Saint-Germain bad boy Serge Aurier or Monaco ace Djibril Sidibe.

PA

Getty

NOT PICKED YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM YET? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?