Gary Neville has admitted that he is bemused by Chelsea's "desperate" search for a targetman after reportedly making enquiries for a number of players.

Blues boss Antonio Conte seemingly wants a tall striker to lead his line after so far making do with Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi this term.

Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch both emerged as surprise targets for the English champions, while Ashley Barnes and Fernando Llorente have also been linked.

According to reports in the British press, 6ft 4in Roma striker Edin Dzeko is now at the top of Conte's wishlist, but Neville believes that Chelsea are better off sticking with what they have.

"Chelsea seem to be hell-bent on getting anybody that's over 6ft 3in and a target man," he told the Gary Neville Podcast. "There is no doubt that Conte likes a target man. Graziano Pelle was a big favourite of Conte's when he was in charge of Italy so he does like someone up front who is a presence.

"But, are they really that desperate to have somebody for the last three months of the season? I don't see it personally. I think Chelsea are having a good season.

"People will say they are not reaching the heights of last season but my view would be that for managers at Chelsea, the season post winning the title is not easy and Conte is doing very well this season to keep the team and the momentum going.

"So I'm not quite sure why they are so hell-bent on getting a big striker. I know Conte does like a target man but I'm not sure why they are so desperate."

Chelsea are also looking to strengthen elsewhere, with Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri understood to be on the brink of joining.