Chelsea to set new transfer record by signing Alex Sandro and Tiemoue Bakayoko

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Chelsea are poised to make Alex Sandro the world’s most expensive defender this week as they launch a £100million double deal.

The Blues are on the verge of agreeing a fee with Juventus for Brazil left-back Sandro, after making an improved offer worth just over £61m.

Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is due in England in the next 48 hours to finalise his £37m move, while Blues boss Antonio Conte will step up his interest in Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Sandro’s fee would eclipse the £50m Paris Saint-Germain paid to buy his countryman David Luiz from Chelsea three years ago.

With Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, who the Blues value at £75m, also in Conte’s sights, his spree this summer could hit around £250m.

Though that figure will be offset by some departures.

Bakayoko’s arrival will cast doubt over the future of anchorman Nemanja Matic.

Conte is keen to keep him, as he wants two players for every position, but the Serbian is concerned about seeing his game time reduced and is keen on a reunion with his former Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.