Chelsea eye surprise swoop for versatile West Ham midfielder

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has earmarked West Ham star Michail Antonio as a surprise January target, according to The Sun.

Conte is keen to bolster his squad this month to maintain Chelsea’s title challenge and use the £52m made from Oscar’s sale to China to sign new players.

The Chelsea boss is still keen to sign Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie this month but is also weighing up a surprise move for versatile West Ham midfielder Antonio.

The 26-year-old has been in tremendous goalscoring form since breaking into the West Ham team midway through last season and Conte witnessed his best qualities during their cup exit against the Hammers earlier in the season.

Antonio has played at right-back, wing-back and in attack, which would certainly appeal to Conte who likes versatility from his players.

Since the start of last season Antonio has scored more headed goals than any other player in the Premier League (12).

For more stats on Michail Antonio, click here to visit his WhoScored player page