Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte targets English defensive duo as he searches for long-term John Terry replacement

ANTONIO CONTE has targeted Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson and Burnley's Michael Keane as he hopes to discover the new John Terry, according to reports.

The Chelsea manager wants to maintain the English core of the club's defence and has set in motion a scouting drive to find the best homegrown candidates as captain JT nears retirement.

As Premier League regulations demand clubs must select at least eight homegrown players for their 25-man squads, Gibson and Keane are seen as perfect targets, reports the .

Both have experience in England's youth setup and are edging towards Sam Allardyce's senior squad.

Chelsea completed a shock £30million deal for ex-Stamford Bridge defender David Luiz, 29, on deadline day.

But the Brazilian is not seen as a long-term solution and with Terry, 35, and Gary Cahill, 30, in their twilight years, Conte is seeking young blood.

Meanwhile, Chelsea want outcast goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon to delay any plans he has of leaving the club.

The Frenchman was relieved of first-team duties by Conte and replaced by Gianluca Spinelli.

Lollichon's fractious relationship with Thibaut Courtois was said to be the cause of the Belgian's poor form last season.

Courtois, 24, almost left Chelsea in a £65m move in the summer but no buyer was found to meet his price tag.

But he may still leave next summer and the Blues want Lollichon to stay until Courtois' future is certain.