Chelsea are ready to make an improved bid for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is turning to the young Italian as an alternative to Napoli stopper Kalidou Koulibaly.

Chelsea are said to have failed with a €35 million offer for Romagnoli earlier this week.

And Sky Italia says they will now bid €40 million to Milan for the defender.

Milan's football staff are desperate not to lose Romagnoli, but the final decision will be left to the club's new Chinese owners.