Antonio Conte admits he tried to sign Kyle Walker before Manchester City offered Tottenham £50m for England man
The Blues boss maintains Spurs will be a big threat in the race for the Premier League title next season
ANTONIO CONTE has admitted Chelsea went after Kyle Walker - but was priced out of a move this summer.
The England full-back ended up making a £50million move to Chelsea's Premier League rivals Manchester City.
But he could have been pulling on a different shade of blue next season if Conte had got his man.
Conte said: “If you want Walker, you know that Walker is expensive. We tried to buy Walker.”
Conte was speaking as he discussed the big money exchanging hands in the Premier League this summer - and went on to speak about a player he would REALLY like at Stamford Bridge.
He added: “If I had to buy one striker, I’d go for Kane.
“For me, Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. He is just a complete striker.
“If you go to buy Kane now, it would be at least £100m. If I see this price for a striker, I know for sure he’s a big striker.”
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The Italian insists Spurs are a genuine threat to Chelsea’s title defence but can play without the pressure of the big boys.
He said: “What are Tottenham’s expectations? If they don’t win the title, it’s not a tragedy.
“Maybe for Chelsea, Arsenal, City, United and Liverpool it is a tragedy.”
Meanwhile, Blues’ wantaway striker Diego Costa posted a video on Instagram of himself training on a beach in Brazil.
The Brazil-born Spaniard, 28, who wants a return to Atletico Madrid, roped in two assistants as he worked out on the sand.