Antonio Conte plots sensational bid for Oscar replacement

Chelsea are plotting a £75m bid for Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, according to reports.

The Daily Mirror claim Antonio Conte wants the Colombia international to replace the outgoing Oscar.

The Blues midfielder is set to complete his £52m move to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG in January.

And Chelsea will reportedly use that money to land Rodriguez.

Conte tried to sign the Madrid star last summer but Real blocked the move.

Rodriguez is said to be unhappy at the Bernabeu due to his lack of game time under Zinedine Zidane.

The playmaker has appeared in just eight La Liga games this campaign.

However, Real will be reluctant to sell their key man due to Gareth Bale’s injury which will keep him out until February.

The Mirror add that Rodriguez’s arrival would result in Conte resting talisman Eden Hazard throughout the Premier League season.