Chelsea transfer news: Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Maia lined up for stunning £140m Blues swoop

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte is reportedly ready to spend £140million on three new players before the end of August.

The Italian has already splashed the cash on Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante after taking charge last month.

But Conte has since revealed he is targeting more reinforcements as the Blues eye a title challenge this season.

At least one defender is on the agenda for the ex-Juventus chief, while Diego Costa and Batshuayi could be set for more competition in attack.

And the Daily Express claims Conte has three names in mind as he prepares to kick off his campaign with a home clash against West Ham on Monday night.

Chelsea will first target a £15m move for Santos midfielder Thiago Maia, who has also been linked with Manchester United and is currently on Olympics duty with Brazil.

Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly could also be on his way to Stamford Bridge after telling the Serie A giants he wants a Premier League switch.

Chelsea have already seen a huge bid rejected but are set to return with an improved offer before the transfer window shuts.

And Conte’s final piece of his jigsaw is Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, who left Chelsea for Goodison Park in 2014 after a loan spell the year before.

The 23-year-old failed to make the grade under Jose Mourinho in west London but could now return to battle for a spot in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, there are more exits afoot at the Bridge after Baba Rahman and Bertrand Traore were loaned out recently.

Versatile Brazilian forward Kenedy is set to join Watford for the upcoming season, while Patrick Bamford is a target for Championship outfit Aston Villa.