Chelsea fail with Manolas bid

Chelsea are reported to have had an offer turned down for AS Roma's Greek defender Kostas Manolas. The 24-year-old has been a key member for the Giallorossi since his switch from Olympiakos last season.

The Blues are believed to be on the search for a new centre-back with veteran star John Terry set to depart at the expiry of his contract this summer.

According to Italian outlet Tempo, the Premier League holders are well aware of the need for a new central defender with Kurt Zouma likely to miss the start of 2016/17 campaign as he continues his slow recovery back from a knee injury.

The report adds that the club had made a £31m bid for Manolas, which was swiftly rebuffed by Roma.

Roma are said to be reluctant to offload their star asset, unless any club matches their £45m asking price.