Chelsea have been handed a huge encouragement in their hopes of securing the services of Michael Keane as Burnley are said to be eyeing up a replacement for the England international, according to the Sun.
Antonio Conte has clearly transformed Chelsea into a powerful force since his arrival to Stamford Bridge over the summer and under the tutelage of the Italian manager, the Blues look strong contenders to claim the Premier League title.
Despite Chelsea performing so well at the moment, Conte is not a man who is willing to rest on his laurels and it is widely expected that he will be looking to further strengthen the ranks at Stamford Bridge during the upcoming January transfer window.
It has widely been reported that Conte is looking to bring in a new central defender this winter and the Italian has allegedly identified Burnley star Michael Keane as his main target.
Chelsea handed boost in their hopes of signing Keane
Keane has quickly flourished into one of the most promising young defenders in Europe over the past few years and the former Manchester United man is now a full-fledged England national team regular.
Chelsea view Keane a potential long term successor to veteran club captain John Terry and now the Blues have been reportedly handed a huge boost in their hopes of securing the services of the 23-year-old defender.
The Sun have claimed that Burnley are expecting bids from Chelsea for Keane and are already planning for life without their star man by eyeing up a replacement in the form of Barnsley central defender Marc Roberts.