Chelsea are monitoring the situation of Leicester City’s wantaway winger Riyad Mahrez as head coach Antonio Conte plots how to spring another surprise on the Premier League and provide greater cover for Eden Hazard who will miss the start of next season.

Juventus left-back Alex Sandro is another man on Chelsea’s wanted list, as Conte attempts to give himself the option of swapping between a back three and a back four. Conte masterminded Chelsea’s title success by switching to a back three, but it is understood the Italian is now working on how he can change formation and catch opponents out again if need be.

Although Conte is likely to start next season with his successful back three, the 47 year-old is still keen to build a squad that could switch to his favourite 4-2-4 and swap between different systems during games. That is why Conte was already considering signing a new wide man before Hazard broke his ankle and was forced to undergo surgery, with the forward’s recovery time set at three months.

Sandro, who is valued at £45 million by Juventus, can play as a left-back or a left wing-back which would significantly boost Conte’s options.