HALF THE JOB’S DONE AS BLUES CAPTURE DANI

CHELSEA have won the race for £28million Real Madrid right-back Danilo.

The champions are set to step up their spending after a slow start in the transfer market.

Antonio Conte – beaten to the signing of Romelu Lukaku by Manchester United – has himself seen off Juventus for 25-year-old Danilo (below) to strengthen his defence. The Blues hope to be able to complete the deal before Conte takes his squad to the Far East for pre-season training next week.

He is also keen to rub salt into the wound for the Italian champions by pinching Danilo’s Brazilian compatriot Alex Sandro.

Juve are determined to keep the Blues at arm’s length by raising the asking price – which now stands at £70m – for the 26-year-old.

Sandro, however, has so far indicated he wants to move to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are hopeful they will reunite him with ex-Porto team-mate Danilo.

They are also set on blocking Barcelona from signing defender Cesar Azpilicueta, who can play on either flank and on the right of three at the back.

WATFORD BOSS MARCO SILVA IS READY TO JOIN THE CHASE FOR £12MILLION NOTTINGHAM FOREST STRIKER BRITT ASSOMBALONGA