If reports are to be believed, Alessio Romagnoli is set to reject any approaches from Chelsea in order to stay with AC Milan…

According to Sports Mediaset Premium (via the Sun), Alessio Romagnoli is not discussing a departure from Italy – amid reports that Chelsea are set to launch another January pursuit for the young defender.

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The Italian will join a long queue of failed defensive pursuits should the reports ring true, with Antonio Conte thus far proving unsuccessful in his pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

However, there is still hope for the Italian boss. There are a host of top level defenders that could yet provide Conte with the defensive stability that he desires.

With that said, here are 3 defensive alternatives to Alessio Romagnoli for Chelsea…

 Niklas Sule

Niklas Sule is a towering central defender that is currently turning out for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga – and he is destined for a big European move soon.

He is strong and brutish, but also retains that typical German efficiency that has seen him fly through the ranks. He might be just 21-years-old, but he is edging closer to the 100 appearances mark for the Hoffenheim first team – and he has experience far beyond his years.

At 6ft5, he is absolutely unstoppable in the air – but he is nimble and technical with the ball at his feet too.

He has all the makings of a top centre-half.

 Pepe

Sule might represent a youth option, but Pepe would offer Chelsea a short-term, financially motivated fix.

His contract at Real Madrid expires next summer, and with reports linking him with a move away from Spain continuing – a move is looking increasingly likely.

He would not, of course, solve Antonio Conte’s defensive issue long-term, but with Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic all facing uncertain futures at Chelsea; he could provide some much needed experienced defensive steel at the back.

 Andreas Christensen

Whilst options away from the club are the likely contenders, Antonio Conte could also look toward the options that he already has available to him at Chelsea.

Andreas Christensen is currently on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach until the end of the season – and upon the end of his loan; he should certainly return to Chelsea.

He possess all the characteristics that Conte will want; he is a long-term fix, he is technical, he is tactically adept – he literally has it all.

What’s more, he would offer a free alternative for Conte – giving him more funds to look elsewhere.

Christensen is your man, Antonio.

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