Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has expressed his desire to join former Italian boss Antonio Conte to Chelsea. The multi-functional man has attracted a lot of interest from clubs around Europe, including several Serie A sides.

However, according to his agent, Giaccherini is still holding out hope of a “dream” move to Chelsea and would love to work under Conte at the club.

The player’s agent Furio Valcareggi had previously talked up a potential move to Stamford Bridge for his client, after the 31-year-old expressed his desire to leave Sunderland due to making just 43 appearances over two years at the Stadium of Light, before spending last season on loan at Bologna.

Many clubs are fighting for the midfielder’s signature, with Torino, Fiorentina and Bologna all interested. But Valcareggi has stated that whilst Giaccherini would like a move to Italy, he would choose Stamford Bridge ahead of any other option.

“Unfortunately we don’t [have an agreement with Torino],” Valcareggi told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“There has been contact and interest. Torino have taken note of the costs and how the transfer would have to be done and now they are considering it. But this also applies to Fiorentina and Bologna, who are gathering information before moving on.”

“If Chelsea were to call? Chelsea would be a dream.”

[Quotes via ESPN]

Emanuele Giaccherini impressed as part of the Italy squad at Euro 2016 and has always performed well for his country.

Conte will take charge of Chelsea next season and is actively seeking the transfer market for players to bolster his team. The Blues have been linked with a whole host of names and it seems the midfield is an area the Italian would like to improve, however it doesn’t seem as if Giaccherini would be a fans choice.