Antonio Conte has been reassured that Chelsea will sign at least three more new players to add to his squad by the end of the transfer window with the club ready to rival Manchester United for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier and step up their interest in Virgil van Dijk.

Head coach Conte ideally wants two new wing-backs to provide competition and cover for Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso, and has turned to £27m-rated Aurier, who is also wanted by United, after missing out on Danilo.

Van Dijk was identified as Conte’s top central defensive target at the end of last season and Chelsea were confident of landing the Dutchman from Southampton before he looked set to move to Liverpool.

Liverpool were forced to back away from Van Dijk following accusations they spoke to the player without Southampton’s permission, but Chelsea have retained an interest ever since.

Van Dijk’s dramatic transfer request is likely to prompt a firm enquiry from Chelsea, who will hope that the row between Liverpool and Southampton will hand them an advantage – even if the Jurgen Klopp renews his interest.