Chelsea close in on Palestra as Alonso's first signing

Chelsea are set to make Atalanta defender Marco Palestra the first signing for new boss Xabi Alonso for a fee in excess of £43m.

Palestra had been expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan following a successful loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he was named Serie A's best defender.

However, after 24 hours of talks, the Premier League club have emerged as the 21-year-old's preferred destination as sources in Italy claim Inter could not match Chelsea's offer on personal terms.

Palestra, who made his international debut for Italy this year, is viewed at Stamford Bridge as an exciting option capable of playing on either flank, both as a wing-back and more conventional full-back.

It is also an early sign of new manager Alonso's influence.

Having been appointed as manager rather than head coach, he is understood to have approved the move - the first major signing made by the club since the former Spain midfielder was named Liam Rosenior's replacement in May.

Alonso is set to formally join Chelsea on 1 July, but has been in regular contact with the club hierarchy regarding incoming and outgoing transfers.

Chelsea are also targeting at least one central defender, as well as a midfielder - likely to be Strasbourg's Valentin Barco - with multiple sources suggesting that deal is close. A further versatile attacker is also on the list.

A number of players are also scheduled to move to west London this summer in deals completed last year, including £40m winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.

There are expected to be further departures following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid, as Chelsea look to trim their squad after a turbulent season in which they finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe.