Chelsea handed huge boost in pursuit of Alex Sandro

Antonio Conte made Alex Sandro one of his top transfer targets last summer, but a big-money move for the left-back never materialised with the player unwilling to force his way out of the Italian champions.

A fresh bid in January could make Sandro reconsider and Juventus director Beppe Marotta suggested he would not stand in the speedy full-back's way if he wishes to leave the club.

"We have said many times that when a player asks to be sold, regardless of prestige or importance within the team, we are in favour of a sale," Marotta told 'Mediaset Premium'. "When a player is unsatisfied, it is better to let him go."

Sandro was reportedly keen on the idea of staying in Turin, but his stance has since changed: "In the case of Alex Sandro, he was in full agreement with the idea of remaining with us," Marotta added.

According to 'The Telegraph', both Juventus and Chelsea sent scouts to watch Porto left-back Alex Telles recently. However, Conte's top priority is to wrap up a deal for Sandro in January as he looks for extra squad depth in defence.