Chelsea refuse to be dragged into bidding war for Alvaro Morata
CHELSEA chiefs are ready to deliver another blow to Antonio Conte's transfer plans by refusing to be dragged into a bidding war over Alvaro Morata.
Posted Tuesday, July 18, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk
Real Madrid star Alvaro Morata might not be joining Chelsea
The Blues appear to be stepping back having initially indicated they would be willing to pay £63m for the Real Madrid striker.
Chelsea's stance over the Spaniard would leave AC Milan in the driving seat - and further infuriate Conte.
Conte has already seen top target Romelu Lukaku snatched away from his grasp by Manchester United.
Morata was next on his wish-list but the Italian giants have now revealed that Morata has expressed an interest in heading to the San Siro.
To further complicate matters, Milan chief executive Marco Fassone claimed they are looking to snap up one of Morata, Torino hitman Andrea Belotti and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund - the same three players the Blues are looking at.
But Starsport understands owner Roman Abramovich is not willing to pay over the odds this summer to frustrate Conte.
Chelsea set off on to China today for the first leg of their Asian pre-season tour with Conte without a first-choice striker to select from.
Diego Costa will not travel after being told by the Italian he's no longer part of his plans.
And Costa has made it clear he wants a return to Atletico Madrid, despite their transfer ban, by posting a video wearing an old Atletico shirt.
Belgium hitman Michy Batshuayi has not convinced Conte and it is believed the Italian is increasingly frustrated at the lack of movement in the transfer market.
Chelsea have shelled out a combined £74m to sign defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko but Conte is chasing a new striker.
He is a big fan of Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, but the prospects of their title rivals letting him join are minimal.
A more likely fallback option is Swansea's Fernando Llorente, who confirmed in May he held talks with Conte about joining him at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is set to complete his season-long loan to Stoke today.
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