Chelsea prepare renewed bid to sign Serie A defender

Chelsea are reportedly planning a fresh attempt to sign Juventus' Daniele Rugani after their £36m offer was knocked back by the Serie A champions.

The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with a reunion with former Empoli boss Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge but so far, the Blues have not managed to reach an agreement for his services.

According to Goal.com, the Blues are planning a renewed bid worth £45m for the centre-back after their initial offer was turned down by the Bianconeri. 

Juventus have highlighted Rugani and Mattia Caldara as the candidates to take up the central defensive positions in the long-term but they face a strong test of their resolve this summer with both being linked with exits.

Rugani, who made his debut for Juventus during the 2015/16 season, has three years left on his existing deal with the Serie A holders. He managed to start in just half of the club's league games last term.