Simon Johnson9 August 2016

Chelsea expect to have a busy end to the transfer window and have midfielder Thiago Maia and defender Victor Lindelof in their sights.

Maia is currently playing for Brazil's Olympics team and Chelsea are monitoring his performances.

The 19-year-old looks set to make Giuliano Bertolucci, who has a close relationship with Chelsea, his new agent.

Chelsea are expected to make an official bid for the Santos star after the Games, although will face competition from Paris St Germain.

Lindelof has been lined up as a back-up option to strengthen central defence if their pursuit of Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly ends in failure.

Napoli are ignoring Chelsea's advances for Koulibaly, even though the centre half has made it clear he wants to move to the capital.

Lindelof is a talented Swedish international, but Chelsea are unwilling to meet the £25m release clause in his contract while they continue to pursue Koulibaly.

Chelsea, who along with Arsenal are interested in Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi, are desperate to strengthen at the back.

They have conceded eight goals in six pre-season matches and are short of options if John Terry, Gary Cahill or Branislav Ivanovic suffer an injury.

In pictures: Chelsea vs Werder Bremen

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Meanwhile, Juan Cuadrado's role at Chelsea remains uncertain with AC Milan still optimistic they can agree a loan deal or buy him outright for £25m.

Conte wants Cuadrado, who was on loan at Juventus last season, in his squad, but there are doubts over how happy the Colombia international is to play in the capital.

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