Chelsea have turned their attentions to Southampton’s Cedric Soares as they attempt to sign at least three new players before the transfer window closes.

One of those is unlikely, still, to be Alex Sandro with Chelsea again rebuffed in their latest attempts to sign him from Juventus despite understanding that the Brazilian is keen on a move. Another bid is expected by Chelsea.

Cedric and Alex Sandro would add further options to the Chelsea squad in the wide positions and provide competition for Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso, and also to allow head coach Antonio Conte to switch formations.

Chelsea are not only interested in Cedric, though, for their right-flank with Serge Aurier having been told he is up for sale by Paris Saint-Germain and needing to make a fresh start to revitalise his career. An interest has also been registered in Valencia’s Joao Cancelo.

More ambitiously Chelsea are also still interested in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has gone into his final year of contract at Arsenal, but have been told, so far, that Arsene Wenger will not sell the England international.