With four straight Premier League wins and just a point gap between Chelsea and leaders Manchester City, there has been something of a turn around in fortunes at Stamford Bridge.

After failing to beat a struggling Swansea City and swept aside by fellow title-challengers Arsenal and Liverpool, it looked as though Chelsea were going to have to play out the season as also-rans.

But manager Antonio Conte made the bold move of switching to three-at-the-back in a similar manner to his Juventus and Italy sides, and the improvements have been almost instantaneous. Four games, four wins and no goals conceded - the Blues are flying.

The only problem they may have is a lack of personnel, with only three recognised centre-backs currently available.

Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta has done well so far, with questions marks over John Terry's future, but an injury to the Spaniard, David Luiz or Gary Cahill could see the wheels come off.

Another thing Chelsea may struggle with soon is fulfilling their homegrown quota. With an eye on killing two birds with one stone, we take a look at five young, English centre-backs Conte should consider swooping for in January.

MICHAEL KEANE

With Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso playing high up the pitch, Chelsea's three centre-backs have a lot to do.

If Antonio Conte's time at Italy is anything to go by, there will be periods when they need to batten down the hatches and dig in.

Michael Keane has already experienced that with Burnley this season. The 23-year-old has shown himself to be strong in the air and able to repel attacks under great pressure.

BEN GIBSON

Having been in the Middlesbrough first team for four seasons now, Ben Gibson is a seasoned professional at just 23.

Gibson has adapted to Premier League life with ease and looks a cultured centre-back who would fit in well with a three-man defence.

He also has the advantage of being left-footed, meaning he would able to take a role on the left of the three.

Gibson has earned ten under-21 caps for England.

MASON HOLGATE

With John Stones floundering at Manchester City and Mason Holgate starting the season well at Everton, you have to question whether Guardiola spent £47m on the wrong man.

Like Stones, Holgate joined Everton from Barnsley and made his Goodison Park debut at a young age.

Unlike the City man, however, Holgate puts his defensive duties first and doesn't seem prone to many mistakes.

With talented English defenders at a premium, perhaps Chelsea should get in early and see if they can get Holgate while he's still relatively cheap.

JAMAAL LASCELLES

Heading into the Championship, Jamaal Lascelles could provide defensive cover without breaking the bank.

The 22-year-old gave a decent account of himself even as Newcastle United got relegated last season and he's been even better this time around.

Lascelles also has the right mentality, having been made club captain by Rafa Benitez.

DOMINIC IORFA

Another player Chelsea could look at in the Championship is Wolverhampton Wanderers' Dominic Iorfa.

The 21-year-old hasn't fared as well this season, with Wolves struggling, but has shown himself capable in the past and was an integral part of last season's promotion campaign.

The youngster has seven under-21 caps but wouldn't command a huge fee if Chelsea were to make a move in January. He could well develop into a top centre-back under the stewardship of a keen defensive mind like Conte.