Chelsea in talks with Juventus over Alex Sandro and Leonardo Bonucci but remain keen on Virgil van Dijk

Chelsea are growing increasingly confident that they will succeed in their attempts to sign Juventus left back Alex Sandro.

Juventus have already rejected an offer worth £52m from the Blues, before offering the Brazil international a new contract.

But comments earlier this week from the Italian club's general manager, Beppe Marotta, have encouraged Chelsea that a deal can be struck.

"A substantial offer has arrived,” Marotta confirmed.

"We have no intention of selling anyone, but if a player decides to leave, as has happened in previous years, then at the end of the day he has to go, because we don't keep anyone against their will.

"But at the moment there are no such situations and I hope nobody will leave." Chelsea have offered to double Sandro's wages to £150,000-a-week, a sum which Juventus can't compete with.”

The club are also in discussions with Juventus over centre half Leonardo Bonucci, but remain keen on Virgil van Dijk, despite Southampton continuing to insist that he is not for sale.

Negotiating with Southampton is further complicated by the fact they have been in talks about selling the club and have yet to appoint a new manager following the departure of Claude Puel, although Mauricio Pellegrino is expected to be announced as his successor.