Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: 'Club will decide on Kenedy replacement'

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has insisted that he is prepared to promote a young player from the academy if the club's hierarchy choose not to replace Kenedy.

On Tuesday, Conte confirmed that the left-sided Brazilian player is likely to join Newcastle United on a loan deal until the end of the season, leaving the Blues with Marcos Alonso as the only recognised left wing-back at Stamford Bridge.

Emerson Palmieri is expected to arrive from Roma before the end of the month, but Conte has suggested that he is prepared to give a bigger role to Dujon Sterling.

At a press conference, the 48-year-old told reporters: "As you know very well, after this question about Kenedy, if the club decides to loan one player, they have to decide whether to buy another player or work with a young player, like Sterling from the academy.

"I am ready for both cases. The club must decide what is best for the club."

Palmieri has only made two appearances for Roma during the current campaign.