Chelsea 'give Roma deadline to conclude Edin Dzeko deal'

Chelsea have reportedly informed Italian club Roma that they have until the end of the week to green-light Edin Dzeko's move to Stamford Bridge, or they will pursue other targets.

According to The Telegraph, the Premier League champions are determined to sign the Bosnian striker within the next 48 hours and have set a strict deadline for the Serie A outfit to conclude negotiations.

Chelsea have already agreed to sign Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri, with the two clubs having settled on a fee, but Blues boss Antonio Conte is said to be keen snap up Dzeko too.

Conte is reportedly determined to recruit a striker during the current transfer window, with Alvaro Morata suffering injury problems and spells of poor form this season.

Chelsea were previously linked with West Ham United forward Andy Carroll and Stoke City veteran Peter Crouch as cover for their faltering frontman.