The Chelsea supporters in the Football Transfer Tavern may be content with how their squad is looking right now, but manager Antonio Conte is likely to want to make changes to it in the summer, whether the current Premier League leaders win the title at the end of the season or not.

One area that it seems the Italian is keen to strengthen is in central defence, and in recent days the Blues have been linked with a move for Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof, who is previously said to have interested Manchester United and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho – the fans standing at the bar would certainly love to get one over on their former boss.

The 22-year-old will have impressed a number of Europe’s top clubs with some standout performances at the heart of the Portuguese outfit’s defence this term, and the Sweden international looks to have a bright future ahead of him – the landlord isn’t quite sold yet, though.

Here are THREE reasons why Lindelof would be a shrewd acquistion for Chelsea…

His versatility

Cesar Azpilicueta is one Chelsea player that has shown his versatility this season by filling in at right centre-back in Antonio Conte’s three-man defence, and it seems as though the Italian is keen on individuals that can feature in different positions – the Blues supporters in the tavern have been impressed with how some of their stars have stepped up to the plate this term.

That would be one of the advantages of signing Lindelof, as the 22-year-old is also capable of playing at right-back, and possibly even right wing-back, as well as his preferred centre-back spot.

Conte will want more competition in both of those spots for both Azpilicueta and Victor Moses in the future, and he could kill two birds with one stone with the acquisition of the Sweden international – the landlord is certainly beginning to warm to the idea.

He would [probably] be cheaper than Van Dijk

As we mentioned previously, Conte’s priority during the summer appears to be to bring a new centre-back to Stamford Bridge and as well as Lindelof in the last couple of days, the Italian has also been linked with a move for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk – the landlord is a huge fan of the Saints man.

Rumours earlier this month suggested that the west London outfit were ready to bid £60m for the in-demand Dutchman in order to secure his signature ahead of the likes of Premier League rivals Manchester City, but they could be persuaded to sign Lindelof for a smaller fee – the fans that frequent the tavern may prefer a player that has already proven himself in the English top flight though.

The Swede is said to be available for around £38m, although Benfica will hope that the interest from both the Chelsea and Manchester United could induce a bidding war for the 22-year-old.

He could learn from Terry and Cahill

He may only be 22 years of age – which some Blues supporters standing at the bar may see as too inexperienced to be a regular starter for a team that is looking to win both the Premier League and the Champions League – but the Sweden international has already shown his pedigree by featuring in Europe for his club, and picking up 11 caps for his country too – impressive reading for the tavern regulars.

If he did make the move to Stamford Bridge, he could also learn from the likes of John Terry, Gary Cahill and David Luiz, who would all give him an excellent introduction and tips on how to adapt to the English top flight – the landlord can’t argue with that theory!

Do you agree, Chelsea fans? Let us know below.