Chelsea's Kyle Walker bid came too late as Tottenham star had already agreed personal terms with Manchester City

Late swoop | Walker had already agreed his move to Manchester City: AP
Late swoop | Walker had already agreed his move to Manchester City: AP

Chelsea staged a late bid to buy Kyle Walker from Tottenham after they realised Manchester City would beat them to Real Madrid wing-back Danilo.

On Wednesday coach Antonio Conte revealed that Chelsea tried to buy Walker, but provided no further details of the club's negotiations with their London rivals.

However, Standard Sport understands that Chelsea only made their move for the 27-year-old just before his switch to the Etihad Stadium was complete.

It is believed the bid was lower than the £45million plus add-ons that Tottenham had already agreed with Manchester City and was instantly rejected.

Walker had also negotiated personal terms by the time Chelsea declared their interest and already set his sights on joining Pep Guardiola's side.

While it has emerged that Walker was one of the wing-backs on Conte's wish-list, Chelsea were closer to buying Danilo beforehand.

They looked clear favourites earlier this month before Manchester City entered the equation. That prompted the defending champions to make the late enquiry for Walker.

As Conte talked about Chelsea's struggle to buy new players this summer, he suggested that the club didn't come close to matching Manchester City's valuation of the England international.

He said: "If you want Walker, you know that Walker is expensive. We tried to buy Walker.

"Honestly, I think now every single player is expensive. For you to even enquire about one player, he is expensive."

However, it is believed that Chelsea feel they are closing in on two or three of their remaining targets.

They haven't given up on buying Juventus left back Alex Sandro, but won't bid any higher than £61m. A central midfielder, an attacker and a right wing-back remain a priority.

Conte also spoke in glowing terms of Spurs striker Harry Kane, but Chelsea are not looking to make a bid and he is delighted to have bought Alvaro Morata for £58m.