Shock Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte ready to turn to Liverpool’s Christian Benteke with Romelu Lukaku deal in doubt

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a shock swoop for Liverpool's Christian Benteke.

Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte has drawn up a list of transfer targets and a new striker is his priority.

Everton's Romelu Lukaku, who left the Blues two years ago in a £28m deal, is understood to be Conte's top target.

But Lukaku is also wanted by Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are reluctant to meet the £65m price that has been put on the 23-year-old's head.

Conte is now looking at alternative targets and, , is considering a move for Lukaku's Belgium international teammate Benteke.

The powerful hitman endured a hugely disappointing first season at Liverpool after arriving from Aston Villa in a £32.5million deal.

Benteke only started 14 Premier League games for the Merseysiders and Jurgen Klopp could be ready to sanction his exit this summer.

The 25-year-old is said to have lucrative offers on the table from Chinese Super League clubs but wants to stay in England - and Chelsea may now offer him an escape route from Anfield.