Chelsea dealt huge blow with £30m snub

Chelsea have seen their £30m bid for AC Milan defender, Alessio Romagnoli rejected as the Blues continue their chase for a centre-half, according to reports from Sky Italia (via Sky Sports).

The Italian giants are reportedly reluctant to sell the 21-year-old during this window, having only bought him from Roma last season, for a fee of £21m.

The Italy U21 international made 40 appearances for the first team in all competitions during the last campaign, in a season which saw the 18 time Italian champions finish seventh in Serie A.

Antonio Conte has made it clear that he wants to add a defender to his squad but has had to move on from his top target, Kalidou Koulibaly, after it appears the Napoli man is staying put.

The South London side face Bristol Rovers in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, which could see the Italian boss hand further experience to 19-year-old defender Ola Aina, as he is one of Conte’s only backup options for his back four.