Chelsea plan to re-sign former star, not Lukaku

Premier League toppers Chelsea are looking into the prospect of signing former player Ryan Bertrand from Southampton this summer.

The 27-year-old endured a series of loan spells away from west London before he sealed his permanent move to St.Mary's for £10m in 2015.

Bertrand was initially highlighted as a replacement for Ashley Cole in the left-back spot, but he struggled to make himself a regular under former boss Jose Mourinho, who preferred to switch Cesar Azplicueta to the position.

According to The Sun, Conte is understood to hold regrets over the club's sale of Bertrand and is prepared to lure him back to Stamford Bridge in the coming transfer window.

Bertrand, who was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2014-15 season, has recently earned a recall with the England national side following a long-term injury to Danny Rose.

He is currently ahead of Luke Shaw in the pecking order for the Three Lions and would be expecting to make the 2018 World Cup squad unless he sees a massive dip in form.

Marcos Alonso has been deployed as the left wing-back throughout the season, but Conte is keen on tempting Bertrand to rejoin Chelsea with the promise of equal opportunities alongside the Spaniard.

Nathan Ake is the other who could occupy the position, but his future remains uncertain with Bournemouth prepared to revive their interest in signing him.

Chelsea will have to cough up a sum of around £25m if they are to convince Southampton into letting go of their star performer.