Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Ryan Bertrand and Christian Benteke

Ryan Bertrand and Christian Benteke could join Chelsea, as manager Antonio Conte swells the numbers in his squad.

According to the London Evening Standard (h/t Metro), the Premier League champions could bring back Bertrand from Southampton after selling him to the south coast club two years ago for a reported £10 million. The England international has since developed into a consistent performer and would offer Chelsea a strong option at left-back.

Martin Blackburn of The Sun reported Manchester City could bid for Bertrand, with a £30 million offer in consideration. 

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The defender won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 but failed to gain regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge.

Bertrand started 28 games in the Premier League last term, according to WhoScored.com, providing excellent service as he achieved four assists.

At  27, the player is about to hit his prime, and a move to a major team must happen for him soon.

However, it is questionable whether he could hold down a starting berth at the Bridge as Conte targets a number of world-class names.

Mark Robinson/Getty Images

In other Blues news, Chelsea's lack of striking options could see them make a shock move for Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke after impressing Conte.

Per the Daily Telegraph (h/t Metro), Conte is reviewing the depth of his options after Romelu Lukaku decided to join Manchester United rather than signing for his former team.

Benteke suffered a difficult spell at Liverpool before making the switch to Palace, where he has redeveloped his career.

The Belgium international hit 15 goals for Palace last season, per WhoScored, and would be a dangerous option off the bench for Chelsea.

VI-Images/Getty Images

However, the Blues must move quickly to sign a primary striker as they plan their defence of the title while also taking on the Champions League.

At present, Chelsea are short of numbers, and there could be a lack of strikers by the time the new campaign kicks off.

According to Matt Law of the Telegraph, Diego Costa could depart the club in the current transfer window.

Benteke would supplement Chelsea's attack, but he is not the answer to Conte's questions if Costa leaves.