Antonio Conte wanted Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Alex Sandro at Chelsea in January

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has been left feeling let down once again after the club failed to land his key transfer targets.

Much of the conflict behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge has surrounded signings.

The Italian manager was frustrated in the summer with Chelsea’s business after winning the Premier League title.

Despite securing top spot in his first year in charge, Conte’s squad was hardly strengthened, even with the increase in fixtures with European football back at Stamford Bridge.

And even in January, Chelsea only added Ross Barkley for £15m, Olivier Giroud from Arsenal for £18m and left-back Emerson Palmieri from Roma.

According to The Guardian, Conte had far bigger names in mind to bolster the team.

Antonio Conte GETTY

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is edging nearer to the exit at Stamford Bridge

“Chelsea’s hierarchy refused to compete with Manchester United on the financial front”

It is said Alexis Sanchez was a key target, with the forward available at Arsenal as his contract was running down.

But Chelsea’s hierarchy refused to compete with Manchester United on the financial front with his wages.

Virgil van Dijk was another must for Conte, who wanted the former Southampton centre-half in the summer too.

Liverpool, though, secured his services in late December despite having been accused of tapping the player up last year.

Alexis Sanchez GETTY

Antonio Conte missed out on Alexis Sanchez as Manchester United claimed his signature

And the other widely reported target for Conte was Alex Sandro.

Juventus’ demands proved too much as well for the Chelsea board, leaving Conte to settle for Emerson.

Chelsea’s activity further reflects the idea Conte is not being backed long term with a view to him going.

The manager is expected to leave at the end of the season, but if results continue to get worse he could go even sooner.

Ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been lined up as Conte’s successor, with his departure growing more likely after their 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last night.

The Guardian add Chelsea were far from happy with Conte’s defeatist attitude pre and post match, while it also concerned directors that he said: “We are exploiting this squad at the maximum level.”

The fourth-placed Blues go to Watford next on Monday, but it is becoming increasingly possible Enrique could be at the helm by the time Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League on February 20.

Antonio Conte wanted Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Alex Sandro at Chelsea in January

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has been left feeling let down once again after the club failed to land his key transfer targets.

Much of the conflict behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge has surrounded signings.

The Italian manager was frustrated in the summer with Chelsea’s business after winning the Premier League title.

Despite securing top spot in his first year in charge, Conte’s squad was hardly strengthened, even with the increase in fixtures with European football back at Stamford Bridge.

And even in January, Chelsea only added Ross Barkley for £15m, Olivier Giroud from Arsenal for £18m and left-back Emerson Palmieri from Roma.

According to The Guardian, Conte had far bigger names in mind to bolster the team.

Antonio Conte GETTY

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is edging nearer to the exit at Stamford Bridge

“Chelsea’s hierarchy refused to compete with Manchester United on the financial front”

It is said Alexis Sanchez was a key target, with the forward available at Arsenal as his contract was running down.

But Chelsea’s hierarchy refused to compete with Manchester United on the financial front with his wages.

Virgil van Dijk was another must for Conte, who wanted the former Southampton centre-half in the summer too.

Liverpool, though, secured his services in late December despite having been accused of tapping the player up last year.

Alexis Sanchez GETTY

Antonio Conte missed out on Alexis Sanchez as Manchester United claimed his signature

And the other widely reported target for Conte was Alex Sandro.

Juventus’ demands proved too much as well for the Chelsea board, leaving Conte to settle for Emerson.

Chelsea’s activity further reflects the idea Conte is not being backed long term with a view to him going.

The manager is expected to leave at the end of the season, but if results continue to get worse he could go even sooner.

Ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been lined up as Conte’s successor, with his departure growing more likely after their 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last night.

The Guardian add Chelsea were far from happy with Conte’s defeatist attitude pre and post match, while it also concerned directors that he said: “We are exploiting this squad at the maximum level.”

The fourth-placed Blues go to Watford next on Monday, but it is becoming increasingly possible Enrique could be at the helm by the time Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League on February 20.

Chelsea news: Antonio Conte wanted Alexis Sanchez and Virgil van Dijk, boss now in danger | Daily Star

Antonio Conte wanted Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Alex Sandro at Chelsea in January

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has been left feeling let down once again after the club failed to land his key transfer targets.

Much of the conflict behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge has surrounded signings.

The Italian manager was frustrated in the summer with Chelsea’s business after winning the Premier League title.

Despite securing top spot in his first year in charge, Conte’s squad was hardly strengthened, even with the increase in fixtures with European football back at Stamford Bridge.

And even in January, Chelsea only added Ross Barkley for £15m, Olivier Giroud from Arsenal for £18m and left-back Emerson Palmieri from Roma.

According to The Guardian, Conte had far bigger names in mind to bolster the team.

Antonio Conte GETTY

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is edging nearer to the exit at Stamford Bridge

“Chelsea’s hierarchy refused to compete with Manchester United on the financial front”

It is said Alexis Sanchez was a key target, with the forward available at Arsenal as his contract was running down.

But Chelsea’s hierarchy refused to compete with Manchester United on the financial front with his wages.

Virgil van Dijk was another must for Conte, who wanted the former Southampton centre-half in the summer too.

Liverpool, though, secured his services in late December despite having been accused of tapping the player up last year.

Alexis Sanchez GETTY

Antonio Conte missed out on Alexis Sanchez as Manchester United claimed his signature

And the other widely reported target for Conte was Alex Sandro.

Juventus’ demands proved too much as well for the Chelsea board, leaving Conte to settle for Emerson.

Chelsea’s activity further reflects the idea Conte is not being backed long term with a view to him going.

The manager is expected to leave at the end of the season, but if results continue to get worse he could go even sooner.

Ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been lined up as Conte’s successor, with his departure growing more likely after their 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last night.

The Guardian add Chelsea were far from happy with Conte’s defeatist attitude pre and post match, while it also concerned directors that he said: “We are exploiting this squad at the maximum level.”

The fourth-placed Blues go to Watford next on Monday, but it is becoming increasingly possible Enrique could be at the helm by the time Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League on February 20.