Chelsea round-up: Full-backs targeted; fight with Spanish giants for defender; Hazard injury boost

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As Manchester City confirmed the signing of Real Madrid defender Danilo, the Standard say that Chelsea have turned their attentions to Southampton duo Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares. The full-back pairing are both targets to compete with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso as wing-backs.

The news follows the club missing out on their two first choice options in Juventus’ Alex Sandro and Real Madrid’s Danilo. These two targets are seemingly less ambitious, but Southampton will not part with either player easily. Given that Bertrand came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, it could be embarrassing having to spend big to bring him back to west London.

The club are also eyeing another defensive target in Nice defender Malang Sarr. Sky Sports say that the Blues have joined Real Madrid and Barcelona in tracking the 18-year-old, who has a €40 million (£36 million) release clause in his existing contract, which is set to run until 2021.

Having been with Nice since the age of five, Sarr broke into the side last season, making 34 appearances as he became first choice for Lucien Favre’s side. Capped to under-21 level by France, getting his debut at that level this year, he could be one of the star young players to watch in the years ahead.

Closer to home, there has been a huge boost for Antonio Conte as Eden Hazard has returned to individual training. The Belgian revealed on Instagram that he is back working with the ball at Cobham, whilst the rest of the first team squad enjoy a pre-season tour of Singapore.

Hazard broke his ankle whilst with the Belgian national team in June. The winger is not expected to return to action until September. However, it is undoubtedly good news to see him back in action so early on in his rehabilitation. He will now fight to return as soon as possible, though he is likely to miss at least three Premier League fixtures.