Xabi Alonso reveals new Chelsea transfer update as 'clear plan' takes shape

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he intends to trim down Chelsea’s squad before the end of the transfer window.The Blues have embarked on another summer of change as they look to build a squad in their new manager’s image ahead of next season.Winger Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, joined Aston Villa on loan with a conditional obligation for a permanent £43m move next summer.That surprise move is also likely to lead to more doubt over the futures of Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap.All smiles: Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso addresses the media at a press conference in SydneyAFP/GettyHowever, with interest building and Neto wanting to play Champions League football, an exit could yet be on the cards for the Portuguese winger at the right price. “We need to know that probably there will still be some movements,” Alonso said in Australia on Monday, before Chelsea’s pre-season tour opener against Western Sydney Wanderers.“We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. Probably it will change until the last day of the market being open.”Read MoreAlonso wouldn’t commit to saying how many players he would ideally want in his squad next season, but said the club had to have adequate competition and prepare for the potential impact of injuries.“Not too long, not too short, what is the number? I can't give you that number,” he said. “But for sure, we need to have options because you know that we could be unlucky with injuries so we need to prepare for that. “We can have different circumstances. We need to manage minutes. We have two cups as well, so we need to fight for them as hard as in the Premier League. “Once we get the right balance in terms of qualities, personalities, maturity moments, hopefully we are looking at that when we start the first Premier League game in August.”