Chelsea insist they have “complied with all Fifa statutes and regulations” despite an initial investigation by world football’s governing body accusing them of rule breaches in signing 25 foreign players under the age of 18.
Meanwhile, Roma pair Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri are of interest to the Premier League champions regarding new names coming into the club this month.
Regarding on-pitch matters, Chelsea travel to Brighton on Saturday looking for a first win in three and without injured pair Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas and suspended pair Alvaro Morata and Pedro.
The Blues toiled to a penalty shootout win over Norwich in midweek, their fifth draw on the trot before reaching the FA Cup fourth round from 12 yards.
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Talk now turns to Barkley...
"He's in a good physical condition. He played 70 minutes of a friendly game yesterday. He's in the squad and is coming with us to Brighton. I don't know whether I'll give him a chance to play or wait."
A lot has been made about how the transfers are being conducted at Chelsea and who is controlling them. Conte says that he only gives his opinion to the club board and it's up to Chelsea to then get his targets.
The strikers Chelsea have been linked with are tall, big target men. But Conte doesn't want to admit those are the characteristics he is looking for in a new forward.
So, surprise, surprise, the first question is about transfers.
Conte: "It's not right to talk about players from other teams."
What about Peter Crouch? Are Chelsea interested in him?
Conte: "My answer is the same. It's disrespectful for my players and the players from the other clubs."
Here is Conte!
Apart from team news and whether Ross Barkley will make his debut for Chelsea tomorrow, the biggest talking point today is likely to be the transfer window. Chelsea have been linked to a host of strikers, including Andy Carroll who is believed to now be injured. But, today, it seems the Blues have made a move for Edin Dzeko of Roma. Read more on that story here.
So Fabregas is out for tomorrow's game, according to my information, as is Gary Cahill. He still hasn't recovered from that muscular issue he sustained in the goalless draw against Leicester and, along with the suspended Alvaro Morata and Pedro, Conte will be forced to rotate a the Amex Stadium tomorrow.
First up, some teams news from me...
Good afternoon all! My name is Vaishali Bhardwaj, and I'm live from Chelsea's training base in Cobham where Antonio Conte will preview the Blues' Premier League clash with Brighton!
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