Valencia could be forced to sell Chelsea’s £26m target Joao Cancelo

Chelsea have reportedly been handed an encouraging boost in their pursuit of Portugal international defender Joao Cancelo, according to the Metro.

The Premier League side, who defeated West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium on Monday night to move 10 points clear at the top of the table, have been linked with a move for Valencia’s highly-rated right-back this summer.

The 22-year-old, who has four international caps for his country, has provided one assist in 28 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit so far this season.

Cancelo, who originally joined Valencia from Benfica back in August 2014 on an initial one-year loan deal, could be available for around £26m ahead of the 2017-18 campaign as the Spanish side are under pressure to sell some of their prized assets in order to meet Financial Fair Play requirements.

The report suggests that Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to recruit more wing-back options ahead of next term, despite the impressive form of Victor Moses this year.

Whilst the former West Ham loanee has impressed, it appears imperative that the Italian bolsters his defensive ranks ahead of a busy fixture schedule next term.