Chelsea set for £240m spending spree

The four players in question are Juventus' Alex Sandro, Southampton's Virgil Van Dijk, Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko and Everton's Romelu Lukaku.

The story comes from English newspaper the 'Express', which claims that Monaco midfielder Bakayoko should sign for the club within the next 48 hours and that his signing will kick off the spending spree. Alex Sandro is expected to follow shortly after, with many sources claiming that deal could be done as early as this week.

In order to claw back some much-needed funds, the 'blues' are ready to move on Bertrand Traore (£16million), Nathan Ake (£20million) and Nemanja Matic (£40million), with Lyon, Bournemouth and Manchester United their expected destinations, though the latter will only be allowed to leave if and when the signing of Bakayoko is confirmed. 

The 'Express' also reports that Bakayoko will arrive in London for a medical and to sign on the dotted line within the coming days. The French international was one of Monaco's star players last season as they stormed to the Ligue 1 title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The fee for  Bakayoko is believed to be in the region of £36.7million, whilst Brazilian full-back Sandro would set the Londoners back a further £61.2million. Southampton are believed to be holding out for £60million for Dutch centre-half Virgil Van Dijk. The defender was expected to join Liverpool this summer but they were forced to cool their interest after being accused of tapping-up the player. Former Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku is said to be a major target for his former side, though his current club, Everton, are expected to play hardball over any sale, with a fee of £80million mooted in some quarters.