Antonio Conte wants some new signings (Getty)

Chelsea are planning to raid Southampton before the close of the transfer window, with three Saints players in their sights according to reports.

Antonio Conte is desperate to bolster his side while he still has the chance.

The champions’ squad looks short on numbers, particularly with Champions League football back on the agenda this season.

According to The Express Chelsea want Virgil van Dijk, Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand.

Van Dijk is values at around £60m (Getty)
Bertrand is a former Chelsea player (Getty)
Cedric Soares in action for Portugal (Getty)

Van Dijk has been linked with an exit from St Mary’s for most of the summer with the player desperate for a move. He’s put in a transfer request and has been training separately from the rest of the squad.

Full-back Bertrand is a former Chelsea player, featuring in the successful 2012 Champions League final.

Portuguese defender Soares is being lined up to compete with Victor Moses.

The trio could cost Chelsea as much as £150million, with Southampton reluctant to sell any of the players.

There could be another issue for Chelsea – interest in the players from Liverpool and Tottenham.

Liverpool are understood to be keen on both Van Dijk and Bertrand while Spurs have an interest in Soares.

MORE : Antonio Conte hoping to still be in charge when Chelsea’s new stadium opens

MORE : Alvaro Morata backed to score 20 Premier League goals for Chelsea this season by his former coach