Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that the Reds may not make any more summer signings during the transfer window but hinted that there could still be some departures from Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit have been busy in the window so far, signing Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan while selling the likes of Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith.

Ahead of his first full season in charge at Liverpool, Klopp was evasive when asked whether more players would be brought in, but he did suggest that it was more likely the squad would be trimmed further, per ESPN FC:

If I had to guess I would say rather no, but I don’t know actually because it’s a long time until the 31st of August and I have no idea [if more signings will be made]. [The] 31st of August we have a few friendlies of course and few test games and then we have, one, two, maybe three—I’m not sure—Premier League games.

So we will see. We will see how the players react on my decisions again because we will have more players than 11 for sure, and then you have to accept a few decisions and you have to take it as an opportunity.

To develop a team never ends so, you have only result, result, result, but then you will have to again decide. That’s how it is. So we will see. I don’t think we’ll have a lot. But of course everyone knows about it maybe on the outgoing side will happen a little bit … yeah I have no idea in the moment. 

It was always expected that Klopp would make a major overhaul of his squad during the summer given that the group he worked with in the 2015-16 season he largely inherited from predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

The defence was a key area of concern last term but the signings of goalkeeper Karius and centre-backs Matip and Klavan have gone a long way to solving the problems in the back line.

The German’s squad is far from perfect, though, and there remain concerns at left-back and in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

The latest reports indicate that Liverpool are still trying to bolster their engine room but have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Portuguese Euro 2016-winner Joao Mario.

Per Portuguese outlet Record (via Richard Amofa in the Telegraph), Kia Joorabchian, Mario’s agent, revealed that a number of bids have been turned down by Sporting for the 23-year-old, including one from Liverpool:

A European champion must be rewarded. From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club.

Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids. 

Meanwhile, it seems the Reds are also still trying to address their full-back issues, with L’Equipe reporting the Merseyside outfit are interested in Lyon defender Jordy Gaspar, via Amofa.

Per French football writer Andrew Gibney, were Liverpool to snap up Gaspar, 19, they would hardly be signing a proven player, although he is versatile:

Arguably what Liverpool need is an experienced left-back who can be relied upon defensively, as Alberto Moreno is somewhat inconsistent in the position.

However, Klopp’s comments suggest he currently has no firm targets in mind, and he may even take on the 2016-17 season with the squad he already has.   

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that the Reds may not make any more summer signings during the transfer window but hinted that there could still be some departures from Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit have been busy in the window so far, signing Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan while selling the likes of Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith.

Ahead of his first full season in charge at Liverpool, Klopp was evasive when asked whether more players would be brought in, but he did suggest that it was more likely the squad would be trimmed further, per ESPN FC:

If I had to guess I would say rather no, but I don’t know actually because it’s a long time until the 31st of August and I have no idea [if more signings will be made]. [The] 31st of August we have a few friendlies of course and few test games and then we have, one, two, maybe three—I’m not sure—Premier League games.

So we will see. We will see how the players react on my decisions again because we will have more players than 11 for sure, and then you have to accept a few decisions and you have to take it as an opportunity.

To develop a team never ends so, you have only result, result, result, but then you will have to again decide. That’s how it is. So we will see. I don’t think we’ll have a lot. But of course everyone knows about it maybe on the outgoing side will happen a little bit … yeah I have no idea in the moment. 

It was always expected that Klopp would make a major overhaul of his squad during the summer given that the group he worked with in the 2015-16 season he largely inherited from predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

The defence was a key area of concern last term but the signings of goalkeeper Karius and centre-backs Matip and Klavan have gone a long way to solving the problems in the back line.

The German’s squad is far from perfect, though, and there remain concerns at left-back and in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

The latest reports indicate that Liverpool are still trying to bolster their engine room but have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Portuguese Euro 2016-winner Joao Mario.

Per Portuguese outlet Record (via Richard Amofa in the Telegraph), Kia Joorabchian, Mario’s agent, revealed that a number of bids have been turned down by Sporting for the 23-year-old, including one from Liverpool:

A European champion must be rewarded. From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club.

Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids. 

Meanwhile, it seems the Reds are also still trying to address their full-back issues, with L’Equipe reporting the Merseyside outfit are interested in Lyon defender Jordy Gaspar, via Amofa.

Per French football writer Andrew Gibney, were Liverpool to snap up Gaspar, 19, they would hardly be signing a proven player, although he is versatile:

Arguably what Liverpool need is an experienced left-back who can be relied upon defensively, as Alberto Moreno is somewhat inconsistent in the position.

However, Klopp’s comments suggest he currently has no firm targets in mind, and he may even take on the 2016-17 season with the squad he already has.   

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Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

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Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

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Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

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Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

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Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

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Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £38 million bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, as the Blues are keen to fend off competition for the Senegal international. Meanwhile, they reportedly face an Italian rival for another defensive target, Benfica‘s Victor Lindelof.

Sky Italy (h/t SkySports.com) confirmed Chelsea’s monster bid for Koulibaly: “The 25-year-old Senegal international is wanted by new Blues boss Antonio Conte to strengthen his defensive options, but Napoli are yet to respond to their offer.”

Napoli‘s reticence to respond is only natural, since Koulibaly is a key figure at the back for the Serie A club. In fact, Italian newspaper La Repubblica (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) has indicated that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis may prove “stubborn” when it comes to sanctioning any deal.

Chelsea have also faced pressure from fellow Premier League side Everton in their attempts to firm up any interest in Koulibaly, according to the Daily Mirror‘s Darren Lewis: “Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri—whose millions tempted manager Ronald Koeman away from Southampton this summer—has so far been prepared to match anything offered by the Londoners to land Senegal international Koulibaly.”

Yet it seems the Stamford Bridge club is determined to get their man. Making such a bold offer for Koulibaly makes sense considering Chelsea are now unlikely to have a clear path to Lindelof.

Italian source Calcio Mercato (h/t talkSPORT) revealed how Inter Milan “are ready to match any offer Chelsea put on the table” for the Sweden international.

Chelsea had reportedly told Benfica of their willingness to pay the £25 million release clause for the player who can operate “centrally, as a right-back or holding midfielder,” per Tony Banks of the Daily Express.

The links with both players show the kind of defender Conte is keen to recruit. Namely, he wants a physically intimidating centre-back.

FourFourTwo‘s Tom Kundert noted how the Benfica man is “tall and well-built, Lindelof is dominant in the air and uses his strength well to make crunching tackles, almost always well-timed.”

Similarly, Adam Digby of FourFourTwo has dubbed Koulibaly “a robust, physically imposing central defender.”

Conte clearly wants a powerhouse at the heart of his new-look defence. The Italian often likes to play three at the back and trusted Giorgio Chiellini to be his enforcer, both with former club Juventus and at international level, but he lacks a Chiellini type at Stamford Bridge.

Skipper John Terry is now 35, Kurt Zouma continues to nurse an injury and Gary Cahill is inconsistent, so Chelsea need a new brute-force talisman at the back. Sealing a deal for Koulibaly or Lindelof won’t be easy, but both players fit the bill perfectly.

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Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £38 million bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, as the Blues are keen to fend off competition for the Senegal international. Meanwhile, they reportedly face an Italian rival for another defensive target, Benfica‘s Victor Lindelof.

Sky Italy (h/t SkySports.com) confirmed Chelsea’s monster bid for Koulibaly: “The 25-year-old Senegal international is wanted by new Blues boss Antonio Conte to strengthen his defensive options, but Napoli are yet to respond to their offer.”

Napoli‘s reticence to respond is only natural, since Koulibaly is a key figure at the back for the Serie A club. In fact, Italian newspaper La Repubblica (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) has indicated that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis may prove “stubborn” when it comes to sanctioning any deal.

Chelsea have also faced pressure from fellow Premier League side Everton in their attempts to firm up any interest in Koulibaly, according to the Daily Mirror‘s Darren Lewis: “Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri—whose millions tempted manager Ronald Koeman away from Southampton this summer—has so far been prepared to match anything offered by the Londoners to land Senegal international Koulibaly.”

Yet it seems the Stamford Bridge club is determined to get their man. Making such a bold offer for Koulibaly makes sense considering Chelsea are now unlikely to have a clear path to Lindelof.

Italian source Calcio Mercato (h/t talkSPORT) revealed how Inter Milan “are ready to match any offer Chelsea put on the table” for the Sweden international.

Chelsea had reportedly told Benfica of their willingness to pay the £25 million release clause for the player who can operate “centrally, as a right-back or holding midfielder,” per Tony Banks of the Daily Express.

The links with both players show the kind of defender Conte is keen to recruit. Namely, he wants a physically intimidating centre-back.

FourFourTwo‘s Tom Kundert noted how the Benfica man is “tall and well-built, Lindelof is dominant in the air and uses his strength well to make crunching tackles, almost always well-timed.”

Similarly, Adam Digby of FourFourTwo has dubbed Koulibaly “a robust, physically imposing central defender.”

Conte clearly wants a powerhouse at the heart of his new-look defence. The Italian often likes to play three at the back and trusted Giorgio Chiellini to be his enforcer, both with former club Juventus and at international level, but he lacks a Chiellini type at Stamford Bridge.

Skipper John Terry is now 35, Kurt Zouma continues to nurse an injury and Gary Cahill is inconsistent, so Chelsea need a new brute-force talisman at the back. Sealing a deal for Koulibaly or Lindelof won’t be easy, but both players fit the bill perfectly.

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Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £38 million bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, as the Blues are keen to fend off competition for the Senegal international. Meanwhile, they reportedly face an Italian rival for another defensive target, Benfica‘s Victor Lindelof.

Sky Italy (h/t SkySports.com) confirmed Chelsea’s monster bid for Koulibaly: “The 25-year-old Senegal international is wanted by new Blues boss Antonio Conte to strengthen his defensive options, but Napoli are yet to respond to their offer.”

Napoli‘s reticence to respond is only natural, since Koulibaly is a key figure at the back for the Serie A club. In fact, Italian newspaper La Repubblica (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) has indicated that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis may prove “stubborn” when it comes to sanctioning any deal.

Chelsea have also faced pressure from fellow Premier League side Everton in their attempts to firm up any interest in Koulibaly, according to the Daily Mirror‘s Darren Lewis: “Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri—whose millions tempted manager Ronald Koeman away from Southampton this summer—has so far been prepared to match anything offered by the Londoners to land Senegal international Koulibaly.”

Yet it seems the Stamford Bridge club is determined to get their man. Making such a bold offer for Koulibaly makes sense considering Chelsea are now unlikely to have a clear path to Lindelof.

Italian source Calcio Mercato (h/t talkSPORT) revealed how Inter Milan “are ready to match any offer Chelsea put on the table” for the Sweden international.

Chelsea had reportedly told Benfica of their willingness to pay the £25 million release clause for the player who can operate “centrally, as a right-back or holding midfielder,” per Tony Banks of the Daily Express.

The links with both players show the kind of defender Conte is keen to recruit. Namely, he wants a physically intimidating centre-back.

FourFourTwo‘s Tom Kundert noted how the Benfica man is “tall and well-built, Lindelof is dominant in the air and uses his strength well to make crunching tackles, almost always well-timed.”

Similarly, Adam Digby of FourFourTwo has dubbed Koulibaly “a robust, physically imposing central defender.”

Conte clearly wants a powerhouse at the heart of his new-look defence. The Italian often likes to play three at the back and trusted Giorgio Chiellini to be his enforcer, both with former club Juventus and at international level, but he lacks a Chiellini type at Stamford Bridge.

Skipper John Terry is now 35, Kurt Zouma continues to nurse an injury and Gary Cahill is inconsistent, so Chelsea need a new brute-force talisman at the back. Sealing a deal for Koulibaly or Lindelof won’t be easy, but both players fit the bill perfectly.

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