Conte doesn't think Chelsea trying to sign Sanchez

Chelsea's reported attempt to hijack Manchester United's bid to sign Alexis Sanchez is news to manager Antonio Conte.

It was initially believed to be a two-horse race between United and Manchester City, who recently threw in the towel over Sanchez's reported wage demands, but the Blues emerged as a surprise suitor Monday in the sweepstakes to recruit the Arsenal forward.

However, when asked ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup replay with Norwich City whether Chelsea was attempting to lure the Chilean, Conte told reporters: "I don't think so."

"About the transfer market, I prefer to talk to the club and give an opinion and I repeat I don’t want to give my opinion on that," Conte added, as quoted by the Mirror.

It has been reported that Chelsea's interest was triggered by City pulling out of negotiations. Pep Guardiola's side walked away after Arsenal was reluctant to budge from its £35-million valuation while talks with Sanchez proved even less productive. The 29-year-old reportedly requested a signing-on fee in addition to his wage demand, which would have seen him become one of the team's highest-paid players.

The Blues, who completed the £15-million signing of Ross Barkley from Everton earlier this month, have been rumoured to be in the market for attacking reinforcements to ease the load on Alvaro Morata.

Andy Carroll has surfaced as a potential January signing, as Chelsea reportedly contemplates acquiring the West Ham forward on a loan deal until the end of the season.