Report: Chelsea in advanced talks to sign Conte favourite Llorente

Chelsea's negotiations for Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente have reached an advanced stage, sources close to the Welsh club told ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke.

Llorente is reportedly eager to reunite with manager Antonio Conte, who worked with the Spanish poacher at Juventus in 2013-14.

The Blues were poised to sign Llorente in the January transfer window, but nothing materialised.

The Swans apparently want to secure a replacement - likely in the form of Manchester City's Wilfried Bony - before allowing Llorente to leave.

The 32-year-old would have to settle for fewer minutes at Stamford Bridge, where club-record signing Alvaro Morata is Conte's clear starter upfront. Michy Batshuayi is also an option off the bench.

Llorente's 15 goals - including a stoppage-time brace to steal three points against Crystal Palace in November 2016 - helped Paul Clement's side avoid relegation last season.