STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILAN, MI, ITALY - 2016/11/28: Antonio Candreva of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring during the Serie A football match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina. FC Internazionale wins 4-2 over ACF Fiorentina. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Antonio Candreva was wanted by Chelsea in January. (LightRocket/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte called Inter’s director of sport Pie­ro Au­si­lio to launch Chelsea’s move for Antonio Candreva, according to reports in Italy.

The Chelsea manager was looking to reinforce his attacking options during the January transfer window but ultimately failed to add to his squad.

Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, have claimed that Conte’s involvement in Chelsea’s transfer business went as far as personally speaking to Inter about the availability of the winger.

The report also reveals that Conte told Au­si­lio during a phone call: ‘I want Candreva, there’s €25 million (£21.5m) for you.’

FLORENCE, ITALY - JUNE 08: Head coach Antonio Conte (L) and Antonio Candreva during an Italy training session at Coverciano on June 8, 2015 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Candreva was a regular with Italy during Conte’s reign. (Getty Images)

Candreva joined Inter in a £18.4m deal from Lazio and has scored three goals and registered six assists in 23 Serie A appearances this season.

When asked about Chelsea’s offer for him last week, the Italy international replied: ‘You’d have to ask the club.’

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