Antonio Conte has struck up a relationship with Slaven Bilic that has prompted West Ham United to inquire about a number of Chelsea players – including youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Dominic Solanke.

Chelsea head coach Conte and Bilic have already met each other twice this season, in the Premier League and the League Cup, and the pair are understood to share a mutual respect.

West Ham are looking to capitalise on the budding relationship between the two men by trying to sign at least one player from Chelsea in January, either on loan or a permanent deal.

As revealed last week, the Hammers are interested in goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and have even asked about Cesc Fabregas – even though the midfielder wants to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place.

Two potentially more realistic targets West Ham have identified are 20-year-old midfielder Loftus-Cheek and 19-year-old striker Solanke who are in desperate need of first -team experience.

Chelsea would certainly not contemplate selling Loftus-Cheek, who is the club’s most highly-rated young player, but a January loan deal could be considered if he remains stuck on the sidelines.

Loftus-Cheek has been held back by injury, but has only started two League Cup games under Conte and Chelsea have been knocked out of that competition by West Ham.