Chelsea plot move for Newcastle star: Antonio Conte has already held talks over deal

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Chelsea are lining up an £8million bid to sign Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow

Antonio Conte is interested in bringing in a new back-up goalkeeper to provide competition for first-choice stopper Thibaut Courtois.

The Chelsea manager tried to sell Asmir Begovic to Bournemouth before the January transfer window slammed shut, but decided against a move after failing to land Celtic keeper Craig Gordon.

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Asmir Begovic looks set to leave Chelsea in the summer

Conte apparently tried to bring in Darlow as an alternative to Gordon after holding talks with his backroom staff, but Newcastle warned them that he was not for sale.

But the Sunday Mirror claim Chelsea could renew their interest in the 26-year-old after receiving encouragement from the promotion-chasing Magpies.

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Antonio Conte is keen to bolster his goalkeeping ranks in the summer

Chelsea stars meet Will Ferrell after beating Arsenal
Sat, February 4, 2017

Chelsea stars met Will Ferrell after beating Arsenal at Stamford Bridge

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Will Ferrell poses with Marcos Alonso and Pedro

It is claimed Darlow is not viewed a long-term No 1 on Tyneside, which has opened the door for Chelsea to renew their interest in him in the summer.

Darlow has kept 10 clean sheets in 22 appearances for Newcastle and he is contracted to the club until the summer of 2020.

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