Reports: Tottenham make last ditch bid to sign Chelsea target

What's the story?

Chelsea have long been linked with a move for Swansea star Fernando Llorente, but now latest reports from Goal claim that Tottenham have matched the Blues' £15 million bid for the Spanish striker. Conte who has worked with Llorente before at Juventus has been keen on the move since the January transfer window, but it seems like he will have to battle it out with the Lilywhites in order to secure Llorente's signature.

Chelsea have not had the best of transfer windows so far. After losing out on Romelu Lukaku and failing to sign Alex Sandro, they also lost out to Liverpool in the race to sign Arsenal star Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, Conte is determined to add some firepower to his squad and has reportedly told the Chelsea board to do whatever it takes to sign the 32-year-old Swansea frontman.

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Future Chelsea striker?

A move for Llorente seemed all but done especially after Eden Hazard urged Batshuayi to find regular playing time.

"I spoke with him about it this morning," Hazard told a news conference ahead of Belgium's World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar on Thursday.

"He is 23 years old. If he wants to progress, he must play. Especially if Chelsea sign Llorente, he will have less playing time.I am disappointed for him because he has had a very good preseason."

However, with Tottenham now involved, the race for Llorente will go down to the wire on the transfer deadline day.

The heart of the matter

One of the key reasons for Swansea's survival last year, Llorente showed his class scoring plenty of crucial goals and impacting play positively for Paul Clement's side. Conte is confident that Llorente can be an ideal backup for Morata, while Pochettino wants the Spaniard to reduce the workload on Harry Kane.

With both clubs having bid £15 million for the 32-year-old, it remains to be seen which London club Llorente will be playing in this season.

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Author's take

Fernando Llorente has undeniable quality and for just £15 million, he could prove to be an excellent addition to the squad. Although Tottenham have also bid for the forward, Conte's previous partnership with Llorente could tip the scales in Chelsea's favour.