Newly-appointed Chelsea FC head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly eyeing Real Madrid team captain Sergio Ramos as a potential replacement for outgoing Blues captain John Terry. The Stamford Bridge residents are also said to be set to rival Premier League powerhouse Manchester United for the services of the 30-year-old Spaniard.

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Caught Offside reported that Conte is "targeting Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos this summer, setting up a transfer battle with Manchester United" as the former Italy national football team manager has already visited the Stamford Bridge's training grounds last week and "a top central defender" is said to be one of his priorities this coming summer transfer window.

One of the main reasons for having the strategy is the impending exit of Chelsea legend Terry, whose current deal with the Pensioners is set to expire this July. There are no indications from the club's officials if they are going to extend Terry's contract beyond the summer and so a lot of rumors have been emerging about the Barking, London native's future.

Speculations abound that the former England national team captain is being lured by clubs from Turkey, China, the Middle East, and the United States to play for them next season, although there are no official statements yet from the center back with regards to his upcoming plans.

Meanwhile, the Daily Express' Bruce Archer noted that Conte is setting up Chelsea to a "battle with Man United in summer move" for Ramos.

Archer indicated that the 6-foot defender "was wanted by Manchester United last summer but ended up signing a new deal with Madrid" and a potential re-offer to Los Blancos from the Red Devils may be coming again in the summer.

Conte is said to be keen on playing a 3-4-3 formation and Ramos would be a great "fit into a back three system", the report said.

Ramos is considered as one of the best at his position in Europe and has been with Real for 11 seasons since 2005-2006.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2016, Chelsea FC, Antonio Conte, real madrid, Sergio Ramos, Chelsea Rumors, Real Madrid rumors