Tuesday 3 January 2017 19:03, UK
Antonio Conte has confirmed he would like to add January signings and is in talks with Chelsea's board over possible deals.
Conte's side can move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table if they beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, but the Chelsea boss admitted he would like to bring in further additions.
Conte said: "About this question [of transfers], it's important to talk with my club, no? For sure, there are some positions that if we are able to find the right solution, it's important to take a good solution. This championship is long and it's important.
"Also I know the difficulty of the January market and to find the right solution, to find the right player. It won't be easy, but for sure we are talking about this.
"But I don't like to speak about players that now are playing with another team. I think it's respect for the player and also for the clubs."
Chelsea, who have no fresh injury concerns for the trip to Spurs, could set a new record for consecutive Premier League wins in a single season if they secure their 14th straight top-flight victory.
Asked if achieving the record is playing on the minds of his players, Conte replied: "No. The players want to win to take three points. The record is a great achievement because after these 13 wins in a row we took 39 points. The other situations are not important for us.
"This type of game gives you great motivation. Now I think every team wants to stop our run, not only Spurs, but if you see the table you can see we only have five points more than Liverpool."
Mauricio Pochettino suggested neutral supporters would be hoping Tottenham can prevent Chelsea reaching the landmark number of wins, but Conte insisted achieving the record would not guarantee the title.
"The league is open and we are only the first game of the second half of the season," said Conte. "Don't worry about the other teams, the fans, no one person wants to kill the championship.
"First thing is to win against Tottenham, which is not easy. After this if we have eight points we will be very pleased."
Diego Costa revealed he was close to leaving Chelsea to return to Atletico Madrid in the summer, but after the striker confirmed he is happy at Stamford Bridge, Conte insisted his forward is in the right frame of mind to face Spurs.
"I think he is showing a great passion in the right way, in every moment of the game," said Conte. "We are happy for this, me, the club, his team-mates because he is completely focused on the game."
