BATTLING FOR THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE DEFENDER

The Premier League champions, Chelsea, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that they are ready for next season's campaign.
Considering that the Londoners will be competing on all fronts in the coming season, Antonio Conte, the Blues Italian manager, wants a side that can hold its own against the super powers of European club football.  These are elite sides like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Chelsea have therefore secured the signature of Tiemoue Bakayoko, the Monaco midfield general.  They are also now on the verge of agreeing a £61 million deal for Alex Sandro with Juventus that would make the left wingback the most expensive defender in world football.

The Juventus hardman, 26, indicated to his club last night that he was keen to move to London after the Italian champions attempted to persuade him to stay.

He can expect to be paid at least £150, 000 per week which is twice his present wage by Chelsea, who have met the asking price set by Juventus.