Antonio Conte looking to bring ex-Bolton and Sunderland ace Marcos Alonso to Chelsea after impressing in Serie A
Stamford Bridge boss is desperate to reinforce backline and Spanish left-back's signing would see defensive reshuffle
ANTONIO CONTE is reportedly eyeing a shock move for former Bolton and Sunderland left-back, Marcos Alonso.
The new Chelsea boss has made no secret of his desperate desire to reinforce the backline.
Conte has struggled so far on the defensive transfer front — with a bid for Alessio Romagnoli turned down by AC Milan and Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci set to reject any overtures and stay with the Italian champions.
Alonso’s signing would solve several issues as he would slot in at left-back and allow Cesar Azpilicueta to move to the right side — where he is more comfortable.
And Branislav Ivanovic can slide into the centre to offer more solidity.
Real Madrid youth produce, Alonso, can play all along the left flank, but prefers a more defensive role.
He moved to Bolton in 2010 after making just one first-team appearances for Los Blancos.
After initially struggling, he grew in stature and earned a move to Fiorentina three years later.
But, after just nine appearances at the Serie A side, he returned to the Premier League to join Sunderland on loan and played in the League Cup final defeat to Manchester City in 2014.
Since returning to Florence, Alonso has established himself as a regular and played 31 league games last season.