Antonio Conte 'to spend £140m on three players'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reportedly been given up to £140m to spend on three new players before the summer transfer window shuts in a fortnight.

According to a report in the Sunday Express, the Blues will step up their pursuit of their two main targets, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, in the coming days.

Senegalese centre-back Koulibaly has been given a £50m price tag by the Serie A side, but with the player keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, Chelsea are said to be hopeful that an agreement can be reached.

Meanwhile, a bid of £42m for Lukaku was rejected by the Toffees last week but a new, improved offer is being prepared after the Belgian was left on the bench for Everton's Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Conte is also thought to be keen on signing up 19-year-old Santos midfielder Thiago Maia, who is currently playing for Brazil at the Rio Olympics and would be available for around £15m.

Chelsea have made only two senior signings so far this summer, bringing in N'Golo Kante from champions Leicester City and Marseille forward Michy Batshuayi.