Roberto Mancini wants Chelsea defender to find new club

Italy manager Roberto Mancini has urged Emerson to pursue a fresh challenge away from Chelsea in order to enhance his chances of representing the national team.

Emerson was the first-choice left-back for the Blues during the early months of the season but a thigh injury meant that he was replaced by the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.

Since the turn of the year, Emerson has struggled to command a regular run of games with the Blues and Mancini believes a return to the Serie A could be beneficial to the player's international career.

"As for the full-backs, we knew Adam Masina, although he disappeared from the radar a bit after his move to Watford. It would be nice if Emerson Palmieri, who hasn't played much for Chelsea, could come and play in Italy," he told.

The Blues are expected to sign a new left-sided defender this summer and reports claim that Ben Chilwell and Alex Telles are the prime targets for Frank Lampard's side.

Chilwell, who has spent his entire career with Leicester City, is likely to cost in upwards of £60m. Telles, on the other hand, could be available for around £37m with his Porto contract expiring at the end of next season.