Antonio Conte will play hardball over his Chelsea future by insisting the club uses the summer transfer window to build him a squad capable of winning the Champions League as a condition of committing to a long-term contract.

The Italian will ask for investment in all areas of the team, and wants Champions League quality starters at centre-forward, in the centre of midfield and in the middle and right-hand side of his defence. With Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois angling for returns to Spanish football, the total cost could exceed £200m in transfer fees.

According to sources, Conte believes he is entitled to such support for establishing Chelsea as Premier League champions-elect in his first season at Stamford Bridge. This is particularly so as the