Antonio Conte is targeting four more signings as Chelsea prepare to back their manager with a budget which could top £250 million.

Conte is to rival Manchester City in the summer spending stakes as he moves to strengthen the Premier League champions with Alex Sandro, Antonio Candreva, Fernando Llorente and Virgil van Dijk.

Sandro, the Juventus left-back, is high on Conte’s list of targets and though negotiations have proved difficult, Chelsea are optimistic about a £60 million deal for the Brazilian.

Chelsea are also stepping up their interest in Candreva, the Inter Milan winger, while Swansea’s Llorente is seen as a realistic option for Conte’s depleted attack.

Van Dijk, the Southampton ­defender, is understood to not be a top priority at this stage but ­Chelsea are continuing to monitor the ­situation and could make a bid ­before the transfer window closes.