Chelsea to make Juventus star most expensive defender

Chelsea are reportedly close to making Juventus star Alex Sandro the most expensive defender in world football with a transfer fee of £61m.

Chelsea have been linked with Sandro all summer and according to reports, the Premier League champions are ready to splash £61m on the defender.

With that transfer fee, the Brazilian defender would be the most expensive defender in football.

According to reports, Sandro has told Juventus he wants to leave for Chelsea who have had an initial bid of £55.2m rejected.

Chelsea are prepared to increase their offer for the defender who is a prime target of Antonio Conte.

Chelsea are prepared to lose Nathan Ake to Bournemouth for a fee of around £20m to fund the swoop for Sandro.

Chelsea are however reluctant to lose to Ake and are asking for a buy-back clause to be included in the deal.

Southampton are also interested in signing Ake who impressed last season on loan at Bournemouth before he was recalled in January.